Sevenoaks Life Magazine March 2012 by Fish Media Group Ltd

SEVENOAKS LIFE

SEVENOAKS LIFE WESTERHAM, OXTED, BECKENHAM, CHISLEHURST, TUNBRIDGE WELLS AND THE EXCLUSIVE SURROUNDING AREAS

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THE CHANGING FACE OF BROMLEY CELEBRITY CHEFS AT BLUEWATER ELEGANT SEVENOAKS

WWW.THELIFEMAGAZINES.COM

Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection

THE QUALITY LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE ISSUE 37 MARCH 2012

LONDON FASHION WEEK 2012 KENT EVENTS

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HISTORY

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FASHION

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HOMES & GARDENS

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

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Plus:

kitchen LiFe t h e

q u a l i t y

k i t c h e n

G u i D e

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FOOD & DRINK • TRAVEL

Vintage Jewellery & Accessories Monday 12th March

Over 900 lots of vintage jewellery, clothing, shoes and accessories. Estimates range from £15 to £400

Antique & Modern Jewellery Thursday 15th March

An Edwardian diamond pendant. Principal diamond estimated weight 3.45cts Estimate £10,000 - £15,000

Auction of Silver & Plated Ware

Monday 19th March at 10am

Vintage & Modern Wrist Watches Monday 16th April

A gentleman’s 18k gold manual wind IWC Romana perpetual calendar wrist watch. Estimate £2,000 - £3,000

The Goodwood Cup of 1856 by C.F. Hancock and H.H. Armstead. Estimate £18,000 - £25,000

Visit www.fellows.co.uk/life for a complimentary catalogue Fellows Auctioneers | 19 Augusta Street | Birmingham B18 6JA | 0121 212 2131

WelcoMe

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The Ridings, Woodfield Lane, Essendon, Herts, AL9 6JJ Tel : 0844 800 8439 Fax : 01707 655 718. www.thelifemagazines.com Email: peter@fishmediagroup.co.uk

Editor Faye manning Assistant Editor katie miller sub Editor Alex lux Fashion Editor kitty shead Contributors Wendy stevenson John ruler John Bly Bruce Edwards Jack smith design & production Jules Breckenridge www.breckenridgedesign.co.uk photography Adam swaine Accounts kathy manning ken Fleet Business development managers lisa Westerman sinead sheil sAlEs lorna Ferrin vanessa lane James marshall dirECtors peter smith rory smith patrick smith

All Rights reserved. All Fish Media Group Ltd magazines are copyright and cannot be reproduced in any form either in part or whole without written permission from the publishers. Whilst Fish Media Group Ltd takes every reasonable precaution, no responsibility can be accepted for any property, services or products offered in any of our publications and any loss arising. Whilst every care is taken with all materials submitted to all of our magazines the publisher cannot accept the loss or damage to such material. The Fish Media Group Ltd reserves the right to reject or accept any advertisement, article or material prior to publication. Opinions expressed are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views or policies of Fish Media Group Ltd. We accept no liability for any misprints or mistakes and no responsibility can be accepted for the content of these pages.

Hello and welcome to the March issue. As we slip very slowly into the milder Spring weather our thoughts at Fish Media turn to new kitchens and a review of the now world famous London Fashion Show. Our front cover and main cover story feature a review from the increasingly important, highly regarded and greatly anticipated London Fashion Week, we are sure that you will enjoy our review and be proud that once again British designers take centre stage (or should I say centre catwalk). This month we are pleased to include our KITCHEN LIFE special supplement, highlighting the very best of local kitchen specialists for you to consult for advise, ideas, tips and suggestions before you decide which kitchen is right for you. Once again our excellent Local Life team write about more local towns and places of interest for you and your family to visit. This month we focus on Sevenoaks, the changing face of Bromley, Down House in the lovely village of Downe, whilst John Ruler our very popular local historian meets the White Badger Man, George Burness in Beckenham to discuss his best selling book from the 1970’s. John also takes an affectionate look back at Simpsons Place in Bromley. We also encourage you to get out and about this month with some exciting events in our Whats On pages.

The Home and Garden section looks at living a designers dream with a look at some of the top home designers

As usual our superb team of writers cover your wide range of favourite interests. More Antiques from John Bly. Book reviews with Bruce Edwards. Tasty recipes from our own Regan Maloney. The Travel pages take us to Germany. Our Beauty article is inspired by the model hair and make up looks from the London Fashion Week and the Home and Garden section looks at living a designers dream with a look at some of the top home designers including, Kelly Hoppen and Nicky Haslam. With our regular look at some more local highly recommended, professional businesses including The Curious Comb an outstanding boutique hair salon in Blackheath, Dominic Walmsley Jewellry in Riverhead and RAFT furniture in Bromley the worlds largest retailer of FSC 100% recycled teak and offer style that doesn’t cost the earth, there is so much for you to read and enjoy. until next month…

You will be pleased to know that you and your friends can now read our magazines online at www.thelifemagazines.com

to advertise contact peter on 077111 43342 or email peter@fishmediagroup.co.uk march2012

KeNT eVeNTS

WhAt’s oN... mArCH 2012

✱ uNiQuE studENt BAllEt CompANy Ballet Central has unveiled its 22 venue nationwide 2012 tour. the tour will perform twice in Kent, visiting the eM forster theatre in tonbridge on 5th april and the Gulbenkian in Canterbury later in the month on 19th april. see new works by renowned choreographers as well as much-loved dance pieces performed live in local theatres and sample the dynamism, skill and variety of dance today by some of the best new dance talent. another highlight of Ballet Central is the music, much of which has been created by Composer in residence philip feeney who also performs live on the tour. for more information visit balletcentral.co.uk and centralschoolofballet.co.uk ✱ CHArity GolF dAy in aid of the new school at west heath and spring house family Centre on friday 13th april at the challenging Knole park Golf Club. the ticket price includes breakfast, lunch and green fees. the lunch will include a rafﬂe of wonderful and exciting items. from 7.30am breakfast. 9.30am shotgun start. tickets £60. for a booking form please contact Gemma fishenden on tel: 01732 459 953. email: mayorsofﬁce@sevenoakstown. gov.uk. Knole park Golf Club, seal hollow road, sevenoaks, Kent, tn15 0hJ. ✱ EvENts At kNolE Bring the whole family along to enjoy trials, workshops and exhibitions this spring. walk from Knole to emmetts Garden and back .sat 24 Mar at 10am, approx 14 miles. Meet the Conservation 6 march2012

team. these fascinating talks will cover topics inc cleaning demonstrations, the challenges of preventive conservation and look at some of the equipment used at Knole fri 16 Mar, noon-3pm. national Gardens scheme open day Come and visit lord sackville’s private garden. donations to nGs tues 3 apr, 11am-4pm Knole walk Begin your visit with a walk into Knole’s past. wed 4 apr, 10.45 am, approx 2 hours Knole house will be closed until 10 March 2012 and the Garden will be closed until 3 april 2012. the tearoom opens weekends 11 am to 4 pm in January and february 2012. Most events are free. for further information about events at Knole during 2012 please call 01732 462100 or visit www. nationaltrust.org.uk/knole ✱ JAzz BurNs NiGHt spECiAl at the ship theatre sevenoaks 1 april 2012. rescheduled due to ice and snow. £12 : 01732 740889the ship theatre, hollybush lane, sevenoaks, Kent, tn13 3ul. sunday 1 apr 2012. www.listeningroom.co.uk ✱ opErAtioN sHoE BoX at walnuts shopping Centre. due to the success of this year’s appeal so far, the walnuts shopping Centre is extending operation shoe Box to Monday 2nd april. the generous people of orpington have already reached the target of 250 boxes since the appeal was launched on Monday 23rd January. shoppers are being asked to ﬁll an empty shoe box with everyday items such as deodorant, sweets, razors and

wet wipes. the boxes will then be sent to the uK’s service men and women around the globe, including afghanistan. donators are also encouraged to ensure they tape £2 onto the outside of each box in order to help with delivery expenses. walnuts shopping Centre, high street, orpington Kent Br6 0tw until Monday 2 apr 2012. website: www. thewalnutsshoppingcentre. com ✱ opEN GArdEN ANd EAstEr EGG HuNt we are delighted to open our 2012 open Garden programme at this large moat garden and 13th Century chapel by the picturesque river darent which is an oasis of peace and calm. fruit orchards, a walled garden and herbaceous borders help make this garden a haven for wildlife. we will be entertained by west hill Morris dancers and st Clements ladies Clog dancers. Children will be delighted by the easter Bunny hunt throughout these beautiful grounds. all proceeds go to ellenorlions hospices. 2pm - 5pm admission: adults £3, Children £1 (to include easter egg hunt) free car parking on site. st Johns Jerusalem, Main road, sutton at hone Kent da4 9hQ. sunday 1 apr 2012. website: www.ellenorlions.org ✱ tHE BluE BEAtlEs duo livE iN sidCup enjoy a night of Beatles music and witty scouse banter from this popular Beatles tribute duo. the new show features many of the Beatles early rock’n’roll hits and best known songs with full backing tracks. friday 23 March 2012. 9.00pm to 11.00pm. free entry! the

seven stars, foots Cray high street, foots Cray, sidcup, Berkshire, da14 5h. website: www.thebluebeatles.co.uk ✱ tAtsFiEld Art & CrAFt FAir lots of stalls including, hand knits, cakes, preserves, home ware, quilts and many other quality hand made gifts ready for easter. sunday 25th March 2012. 11am to 3pm tatsﬁeld village hall, ship hill, tatsﬁeld, westerham, tn16 2ah. sellers 10-3; buyers 11-3. sunday 25 Mar 2012

✱ pHotosCApiNG mAstErClAss a mixed media art workshop for age 4-16 exploring the latest arts craze, photoscaping! £10 members, £12 non members, £6 concessions; 3:30pm5pm in the art Block; it is a government regulation that children are accompanied by an adult so we have tried to make this a family fun event, please only register your first child as up to 2 siblings or adults can come along free of charge. Beechwood sacred heart school, tunbridge wells Kent tn2 3Qd. saturday 17 Mar 2012. website: www. nagcwestkent.btck.co.uk ✱ tHE GrEAt BiG ColourFul sCiENCE dAy an opportunity to explore a world in motion with 4 brilliant workshops and a surprise final show! Journey into nature: a colourful exploration of flora and fauna rocket science: an excuse to explode some rockets Colourtastic: exploring acids and alkalis in the home Colour wheel: exploring forces plus, the final show! 10am-3:30pm; government regulation that children are accompanied by parents (on

site but not necessarily in class so we provide a room for you); need to bring all food and drinks, and rainwear as loads of outside stuff going on; prices: £25 non members, £20 members, £12 concessions. Beechwood sacred heart school, tunbridge wells Kent tn2 3Qd. saturday 17 Mar 2012 website: www. nagcwestkent.btck.co.uk ✱ royAl tuNBridGE WElls sympHoNy orCHEstrA Conductor neil thomson leads the royal tunbridge wells symphony orchestra in a programme of english music by German, elgar, Bliss and Britten featuring the cellist Guy Johnson. 3pm, tickets from £10, tel. 01892 530613. assembly hall theatre, tunbridge wells, Kent, tn1 2lu. sunday 1 apr 2012 website: www.rtwso.org ✱ CHiNEsE stAtE CirCus - tunbridge wells. from the land of legends and warrior shaolin monks comes the incredible new Chinese state Circus production - the live acrobatic spectacular yin yang. the presentation lives and breathes with the enthusiasm of its acrobatic artistes and is the embodiment of a traditional art form which can trace its history back over 2000 years. the result is the purest, honest, most abiding and exhilarating circus that is a true privilege to see. the undisputed masters of physical theatre will have the audience enthralled with a breathtaking fusion of precision acrobatics, martial arts and dazzling circus skills - entertainment for the whole family. tunbridge wells assembly hall theatre Crescent road, royal tunbridge wells, Kent, tn1 2lu Monday 16th: 8pm tuesday 17th: 5pm & 8pm wednesday 18th: 5pm & 8pm prices: £16 - £25. to book: 01204 334400 www.

assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk. Monday 16 apr 2012 website: www.chinesestatecircus.com ✱ tHE CAmBridGE tAvErNEr CHoir directed by dr owen rees and accompanied by a band of cornetts and sackbuts, perform music by Gabrieli and schutz as part of the Music at King Charles concert series. 7:30pm tickets only £10 if purchased in advance (£12 on the door). King Charles the Martyr church, london road, tunbridge wells Kent tn1 1yx.sunday 18 Mar 2012. www.mkctw.blogspot.com ✱ CHArity spriNG BAll For CystiC FiBrosis an opportunity to dance the night away. Money raised will go the Cystic fibrosis trust and the British skin foundation. tickets cost £35. for more details visit www.cftrust.org.uk or call Jessica noble on 07835 399233. location: high rocks, tunbridge wells, Kent, tn3 9JJ. friday 30 Mar 2012.

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✱ CookEry WorksHop Come and join the cookery fun. 2 hours of baking and making for 5-11 year olds, creating a wonderful easter recipe. open to members and non-members. 10.30am12.30pm Members £22.50, non-members £25 07749 927 783underriver village hall, underriver, sevenoaks, Kent, tn15 0sB. tuesday 3 apr 2012. www.cookieskitchen.co.uk ✱ diNNEr JAzz singer Karen lane, a favourite of Michael parkinson, and guitarist paul Malsom with a soothing session of Brazilian inﬂuenced dinner jazz. to book phone 01732 451109. 7.30pm table Bookings 01732 451109 £26 3course dinner + coffee + jazz. royal oak hotel, upper high st, sevenoaks, Kent, tn13 1hy friday 30 Mar 2012. website: www.listeningroom.co.uk

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Contents Editors letter

WHATS ON

LOCAL LIFE Sevenoaks A Green and Pleasant Land

Bromley The Changing Face

Down House, Downe

Beckenham & Keston The White Badger Man 22 Simpsons Place A Misplaced Slice of History 26 BBC Good Food Show 2012 Bluewater

KITCHEN LIFE SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT

Kitchens To Match Your Personality

Krieder

Roma Interiors Kitchen Experts

Stoneham-Kitchens As Individual As You Are

Kitchens At County Celebrating 30 Years

Woodwork Creating Your Dream Kitchen

Fiesta The Bold And The Beautiful

Kabt Going The Extra Mile

COVER STORY The London Fashion Show 2012 47 Dominic Walmsley Jewellers One year On 52 FASHION London Strikes Catwalk Gold

Ted Baker Bluewater Print Genius

BEAUTY Next seasons hair and make up

Curious Comb Fight the Frizz

Sale Now On

HOME & GARDEN Interiors Live the Designers Dream

Antiques with John Bly

Cat and Mouse Beautiful Landscapes

67 l Free design and planning service

l Sliding door wardrobes and lounge

FOOD & DRINK

l Luxury ﬁtted bedrooms

The Great British Challenge with Regan Maloney 68

l Home ofﬁces

furniture l Family business, established 39 years

36 Hayes Street, Hayes Lane, Bromley, Kent BR2 7LD

TRAVEL The River Road in Germany

Books Review

020 8462 2232

www.imagesbedrooms.co.uk Est 1970

‘probably the largest selection in the South East’

A Green AnD pleAsAnt lAnD sEvENoAks

evenoaks remains a distinctive and elegant town which mixes old and new with feeling and integrity. The name Sevenoaks was derived from the Saxon word “Seouenaca”, the word given in around 800AD to a small chapel, which stood in Knole Park near seven oak trees. The fact that there were only seven oaks has always amused our American relatives, who live in a Thousand Oaks in California but, as we have always joked,” The Americans always have to go one better!” (Or in this case 993 better.) They may indeed have Thousand Oaks but they do not have the unique blend of old and new and the beautiful countryside that we can boast in our Sevenoaks. Seven oak trees were planted 1902 in the Vine Cricket Ground to commemorate the coronation of King Edward VII. unfortunately six of these trees were blow down in the great hurricane on October 18th 1987. The event drew worldwide publicity and soon after seven young trees were planted to replace those that had blown down. Hence, Sevenoaks now has eight oak trees. (Still a long way from a thousand oaks!) Sevenoaks is an ancient market town close to the M25 and some 24 miles from London. It grew up where historic roads from London and North Kent crossed the greensand ridge Despite its popularity with commuters and those wishing to find somewhere outside London to live, Sevenoaks has managed

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to retain its unique identity. It is an aﬄuent area with a high percentage of skilled residents and some fine houses, although many have had to give away to development in more recent years. There are few records appertaining to Sevenoaks before the 13th century, when it was granted market status. Sevenoaks School, which stands at the southern end of the town, was founded in 1432 by William Sennoke, a wealthy London merchant, who was raised in Sevenoaks and as a thank you to the town, founded both the school and the alms houses. In 1560 Queen Elizabeth 1 ordered that the school should be named, “The Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth.” Many visitors come to Sevenoaks to see the famous Knole Estate and its historic Knole House, which lie to the eastern side of the town. The park which covers some 1000 acres has many trees, although it is estimated that in the Great Storm of 1987 over 70% of the trees were destroyed. The park is the only remaining medieval deer park in the country. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Bouchier, bought Knole Estate for £266 in 1456 and he built the house between 1456 and 1486. Four more Archbishops owned the house after Bouchier and it continued to be enlarged, with the addition of a large courtyard, known as Green Court and a new entrance tower. Henry VIII appropriated the house from Archbishop Thomas

Images: Adam Swaine Photography

words: Maureen Cole

local life

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Bouchier, bought Knole Estate for £266 in 1456 and he built the house between 1456 and 1486.

Cranmer in 1538 and it was eventually given by Elizabeth I, in 1566, to her cousin Thomas Sackville. The house has remained as the Sackville family home ever since and although they still occupy part of the house; it is maintained today by the National Trust. The house is reputed to be a “calendar house,” – having 365 rooms, 52 staircases, 12 entrances and seven courtyards. The state rooms, which are open to the public, contain some fine examples of 17th Century furniture, along with textiles, tapestries and an art collection. Sadly Knole House has fallen into decline over the years and is now in need of emergency renovation. Damp has attacked the house both externally and internally and there is also evidence of insect infestation. The National Trust has recently launched an appeal, to raise the necessary funding, to carry out extensive repairs the next ten years. To the south end of Sevenoaks, the High Street is a captivating mix of buildings of different ages, shapes and sizes. Here, among other old properties, one can find The Old Vicarage (late 18th Century), the Old House (17th Century) and Chantry (late 17th Century). St. Nicholas church, which has features of different Gothic styles, is also located in this area. Adjacent to the church is Rectory Lane, leading to Six Bells Lane, with its delightful row of 18th and 19th century cottages. The shape of the church as seen today dates back to the 13th century. A large part of the church was rebuilt in the 15th century The most famous name associated with the church is probably that of John Donne, the preacher and poet who was Rector at St Nicholas from 1616 until 1631.. Much of the town is pedestrianized and there are many speciality shops and restaurants. Sevenoaks is an ancient town with every modern convenience and can boast its own cinema, art complex, and theatre. The Stag Community Centre is located next to the post office off London Road and parallel to the High Street. Originally built as The Majestic Cinema in1937, it has changed little on the outside but extensively on the inside. The centre today houses a theatre, two cinemas and the Plaza Suite. The theatre is the largest performing stage in the south east, staging both professional and amateur productions. It also hosts orchestral and choral productions, dances shows, musical theatre productions and pantomimes. The Bligh Meadow Shopping Centre, a modern development of shops, is located in the centre of Sevenoaks and forms an extension to the Shambles which, in medieval times, was the area housing the booths and slaughterhouses of the butchers. The town is home to several markets. The General Market takes place every Wednesday, behind the High street. A wide range of goods are on sale including fruit and vegetables, meat, fish, and home wares. A Farmers’ Market takes place every second Friday and every third Sunday each month, at Buckhurst Car Park and there is a WI Market every Thursday at the Drill Hall on Argyle Road. Sevenoaks also boasts one of the oldest cricket clubs in the world. The Vine Cricket Club is situated to the north of the High Street and was established in or before 1734. It continues to be one of the leading clubs in the country and is notable for being the first place in England to play cricket with three stumps. The area’s hold on the past and its beautiful landscape has designated it an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, combined with areas of scientific and nature conservation value. With so much going for it, is it any wonder that Sevenoaks has remained a popular place to live, work and relax? It is a town where we can move, like Dr Who, from the past to the present, from the countryside to the town, all within a short space of time. march2012

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local life

The

Changing face of Bromley

words: Maureen Cole

hat memories does Bromley evoke? Saturdays spent roaming around its busy shopping areas. Grabbing a sandwich in the park and watching the squirrels. Going to the theatre with the children and watching a first class pantomime. A snack in the park or a meal at a fine restaurant. These are some of the pleasurable recollections I have of Bromley. Bromley certainly has a lot going for it! Its proximity to London with all its amenities and its position on the edge of the Kent countryside make it a popular, albeit an expensive, place to reside. It is the largest of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thirty two boroughs and its town centre is the largest of the boroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s towns. The shopping and retail areas help to draw people into Bromley and with two railway stations it is able to provide a link to local towns, as well as providing a fast train service to central London, making it popular with commuters. It lies on the south east edge of London and is about seven miles from the M25 and 9.3 miles south west of Charing Cross. The town was first mentioned in a charter dated 862 and was known as Bromleag, which means a woodland clearing where broom grows. At this time Ethelbert, who was the King of Kent, gave the land to form the Manor of Bromley. The Bishops of Bromley held the land until 1845 when Coles Child, a local merchant, purchased Bromley Palace and became lord of the manor. The town was an important coaching stop for those travelling from London to Hastings. Following the arrival of the railway in 1858 more people chose to live in Bromley and it quickly transformed from a quiet rural village into a bustling town. It has formed part of Greater London since 1963. The Market Square forms the historic heart of the town and sits at the junction of the High Street and Church Road. Here there is a large open area with a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s roundabout and a house with a striking wall mural which refers to the work of H G Wells and Charles Darwin. H G Wells was born in Bromley and Darwin was a resident of nearby Downe Village. The High Street and The Glades are completely pedestrianized and comprise the major shopping areas. The Glades is an impressive shopping Mall, housing 120 shops on its two levels. The Mall Shopping Centre with its variety of outlets can also be found here. Those who come to shop can find some popular fashion brands, including Karen Millen, Coast and Zara as well as the new Raft furniture store, which has recently arrived in Bromley and has some beautiful and original pieces of furniture and accessories. Bromley also has a market which takes place in the pedestrian area of Bromley High Street every Friday and Saturday, between the hours of 9am and 5pm. The market, which has been taking

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Images: Adam Swaine Photography

place since 1997, originally sold fruit and vegetables but has extended over the years and now sells a variety of goods including clothing and arts and craft. It is located between the entrance to the Churchill Theatre and Elmfield Road and is well worth a visit, especially around Christmas time when it is open every day for the two weeks leading up to Christmas. The Churchill Theatre, which overlooks Church House Gardens and Library Gardens, stands in the library complex. The theatre was built by the London Borough of Bromley and it was opened on 19th July 1977 by HRH Prince of Wales. It is one of the leading theatres in the southeast and showcases some of the best West End and touring productions. It is also notable for creating its own productions as well as providing a portal for amateur productions. The theatre draws many visitors to Bromley, especially at Christmas time when it runs its seasonal pantomime staring well-known artists. The stars for this year’s performance of “Peter Pan,” are still to be confirmed but tickets are already on sale! The theatre stands in the library complex and overlooks Church Hill Gardens. The gardens cover an area of over eleven acres and are on two levels. In the upper level there are flower beds and a gazebo from which you can view the lower level gardens. These gardens provide a welcome respite from the busy shopping areas and somewhere to go to recharge the batteries. It’s an ideal place to let the children run around when they become bored with the shops. There are several children’s play areas within the park, as well as a lake where you can feed the ducks. For the more energetic there are also tennis courts.

On the other side of Church House Gardens stands the Ancient Parish Church of St Peter and St Paul. The church dates back to the 14th Century but was badly bombed in 1941 and only the tower which was built of Kentish Flints still stands. The new church was erected in 1948-1957. The church is difficult to reach by road due to the somewhat complicated one-way system, as I discovered on my recent visit. A walk through the gardens however, can provide a more pleasurable way of approaching the church. Although the main church was locked on my recent visit, a small and welcoming side chapel was open for prayer. Other open spaces worthy of a visit are Queen’s Gardens, which are situated on the other side of the Glades and the grounds surrounding Bromley Civic Centre. Queens Mead is a recreational ground which is popular with sports and has a football pitch and a bowling green. Throughout the years Bromley has had to adapt to meet the challenges and competition from surrounding areas, including Croydon to the west and Bluewater to the east. The Council felt that parts of the town centre needed revitalisation and an Area Action Plan (APP) was begun in 2005 with the aim of protecting and enhancing the town’s historical features, whilst providing more retail and residential units, along with improved leisure facilities. The APP was approved in October 2011 by the Secretary of State for Community and Local Government. The plan guides development and improvements to the town centre for the next fifteen years, during which time the face of Bromley appears set to change dramatically. Let us hope that looking to the future it manages to hold on to its past. That it is able to build on its success and remain an attractive and desirable place to live, work and relax. march2012

s et * ick 29 2 t or £ f

Join us for the tastiest dates in the spring food calendar

Glow, Bluewater 12-15 April 2012

Celebrity chefs

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cers Speciality produ

MasterChef

From 12-15 April, a brand new BBC Good Food Show is sprouting up at Glow, Bluewater. Flourishing with speciality producers, bursting with demos by James Martin, Gino D’Acampo, John Torode and Gregg Wallace and alive with your favourite TV shows on stage in the Supertheatre. You won’t want to miss out on the freshest and tastiest dates in spring.

Get 2 tickets for only £29 by quoting FM29 Book now - bbcgoodfoodshow.com 0844 581 1345 *

*£1.75 booking fee applies to each advance ticket. 2 tickets for £29 offer valid on adult advance General Admission tickets only. Ticket includes a standard seat in the Supertheatre. Not all celebrities appear on all days, check the website for details. Information correct at time of going to print. BBC and BBC Good Food are trademarks of the British Broadcasting Corporation and are used under licence. BBC Good Food Shows are organised and presented by BBC Haymarket Exhibitions Ltd.

A incl ll ticke ts ude the a Sup seat i n erth eatr e Follow us on:

local life

n my teenage years, Down House was, to put it politely, more a disorganised collection of Darwinian memorabilia than a museum – rather like the life led by Charles and his family in this typical Georgian building on the edge of the still rural Kent village of Downe. This is neatly brought out in the remarkable restoration of the house by English Heritage which not only celebrates the life of Charles Darwin and his groundbreaking work ‘On the Origin of Species’ but the eccentricities of a loving father who involved both his devoted wife Emma and numerous children – he had ten of which three died – in his all consuming hobby as a naturalist. His

which are still argued over today. But his home life says far more about Charles Darwin the man, who set sail on his epic journey not as a scientist but as the gentleman companion, to Captain Robert Fitzroy – planning to become a pastor after ditching his original idea of being a doctor. He couldn’t stand the sight of blood! The move in 1842 to Down House described as ‘old and ugly’– and later to be doubled in size – was to escape the confines and pollution of London. In 1856 he began writing up his theories, not an easy task according to his daughter Henrietta (‘Etty) as he was’ apt to invert his sentences, both in writing and speech…’ a further indication of family

Darwin: the devoted and gentle dad

But life was not always so idyllic. Charles was already suffering from stomach pains and skin rashes from his time on the Beagle when, aged 31, he married Emma, his cousin, a member of the Wedgewood family, whose home at Maer Hall Charles had always admired. The match also pleased his father, a strict disciplinarian, who feared Charles’ teenage love of sport over work at his school in Shrewsbury would bring disgrace to himself and his family. After beginning married life in London, during which time Emma, 32, bore their first child, William, and their second, Annie, shortly after, the move to Down House was overshadowed by the death of their third child, Mary Eleanor at

doWNE

ten year study of barnacles, for instance, led to one of his children innocently enquiring of a school chum: “ Where does your father keep his barnacles?’ But then this was a house littered with species of all kind. Worms, kept in bottles, were serenaded by musical instruments played by the children to see if they detected sound; only those on the top of the piano re-acted, not to the sound but due to the reverberation. Bowls of frog spawn were dotted around everywhere. Even the cook had to cope with Charles, uncharacteristically a pigeon fancier as well as a collector, dissecting their carcasses to study their development by boiling up the birds for their skeletons. A far cry, you might, say from the generally accepted image of a world famous figure whose notes, taken on the Voyage of the Beagle from 1831-36, led to his explosive findings on evolution 18 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

influence, though not always helpful. The back of some of his jottings, for instance, subsequently discovered under the stairs, were used for scribbling on by the children who, brought up by unusually broad-minded Victorian parents, were encouraged to express themselves freely at work and play. This often led to them running wild around the house, including scooting round the corridors on their father’s favourite, but somewhat battered, horsehair writing chair. Being over six feet high, Charles had crudely chopped off the legs and raised it on cast iron legs culled from a bed frame. He also nailed a strut roughly across the front to support the backs of his knees. In the early 1850s the children could be spotted racing across the summery lawns shouting ‘Here’s a bee’ as part of a scheme to map the insect’s flight path.

only three weeks old. From 1843 to 1856 Emma gave birth to seven more children, and was aged 48 when she had the last, Charles Waring. He died when scarlet fever tore through Downe village in 1858. In 1851 the Darwins’ oldest daughter Annie died aged eight, probably from tuberculosis. This was particularly poignant as it followed treatment at Malvern, Worcestershire, the very spa where Charles himself had been taking the waters to combat his deteriorating and debilitating illness. A distraught Emma hid some of Annie’s treasured trinkets along with letters and a lock of her hair in a small writing case: it was only recently discovered by family descendants and is now on display in Down House. The drawing-room, Emma’s domain, reflects happier times, where at night Charles and Emma duelled over their daily game of backgammon, with Charles

Images: © English Heritage Photo Library

John ruler disCovers the Man Behind evolution

own House today (see left) is a far cry from the simple box shaped

property probably built on the site of a 17th century house. After major modernisation in the late 18th century by a rich businessman George Butler it changed hands frequently following his death in 1783, with Rev J Drummond, Vicar of Downe commissioning general improvements when he bought the house in 1837. The architect and civil engineer, Edward Cresy, was later employed by Charles Darwin for the major changes which eventually saw the house double in size. After Charles’ death, Emma, together with the children and grandchildren, moved to Cambridge. In 1907 the house became Down School for Girls, later Down House School, but when it moved in 1921 a second school failed to live up to its high standards. Down House languished empty for a few years before being bought by an eminent surgeon, Sir George Buckston Browne, and restored with the help of Darwin’s only surviving son Leonard. In 1929 it was opened as a public museum under the care of the BAAS (British Association for the Advancement of Science). Closed during the Second World War, it was later run by the Royal College of Surgeons for nearly 60 years; in the 1980s responsibility was ceded to the Natural

edging slightly ahead after 40 years of marriage. Centrepiece, then as now, was Emma’s treasured Broadwood piano. ‘ She had a crisp and fine touch,’ her daughter Henrietta recalled. Charles, too, though a workaholic became fond of billiards – ‘it drives the horrid species out of my head’–so much so that he turned the old dining-room into a billiards room, buying a table from the sale of a few Wedgwood reliefs. His partner was Parslow, who became a good friend as well as being the family butler. It also reflected the respect the family had for their staff, with Charles’ legacy being that of a modest, kind and sometimes eccentric family man ranking alongside that of his international role as a scientist. His original 1842 pencil sketch outlining his theory of evolution was entrusted to Emma with a letter to be opened in case of his sudden death instructing her to devote £400 to its publication. It was at Down House, too, that he created the Sandwalk his ‘thinking path’ gazing out

across the fields full of the living forms which formulated his theories – a fact seemingly overlooked when a bid for Down House and its surroundings to become a World Heritage site in 2009 was rejected as not being of ‘ outstanding universal value.’ It was at the Sandwalk, too, that in early April, 1882, he suffered an attack of angina. On April 19 he died, aged 73 with Emma and the children at his bedside.

Need to Know

✱ Down House, Luxted Road,

Downe Village, Kent, BR6 7JT ✱ www.english-heritage.

org.uk/downhouse; tel: 01689 859119 ✱ OPENING TIMES 2012 (From April): 11.00–17.00 Wed–Sun & Bank Holidays (Apr 1–Jun 30);

History Museum with hope that a permanent solution could be found to the rapidly deteriorating building. Finally, in 1996, it fell into the care of English Heritage with help from the Wellcome Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund. The house reopened to visitors in 1998.

11.00– 17.00 Daily (Jul 1 – Aug 30); 11.00–17.00 Wed–Sun (Sep 1–Nov 4); 10.00–16.00 Sat–Sun (Nov 5 – Feb 13) Closed over Christmas ✱ ADMISSION: From April

Adult £9.90; concession £8.90; child £5.90; family £25.70

march2012

White badger set plot for Gordon’s best seller! John ruler talKs to Mr BroCK’s BiGGest fan

BECkENHAm & kEstoN

ome forty years ago, I was scrambling through a secret woodland setting in the company of Gordon Burness, a self-confessed poacher turned notable naturalist, but best known as author of The White Badger, copies of which sold in their droves as a Brock-loving public took the tale of Snowball to their hearts. There was even talk of a Disney film. But this meant rewriting the plot – and Gordon was more concerned about researching the genetics of his beloved badgers, especially those of the albino kind. Although Gordon, now approaching 84, has not been badgerwatching for some 15 years, his enthusiasm for these storybook characters remains as strong as ever. ‘Perhaps they remind people of pandas,’ he suggested ‘They’ve certainly got the teddy bear look.’ One thing’s sure: they have shaped Gordon’s life, from the day two young rain sodden teenage boys, having read of his exploits, knocked on his door in Wellhouse Road, Beckenham, to ask if he could take them badger-watching. One, Gary, aged 11, was to later to narrate Snowball’s story for the book. The other Phil, aged 14, provided the eureka moment when while badger-watching in High Elms, Keston, alone late one May evening in 1962, he rejoined Gary and Gordon to whisper the magic words: ‘A little badger came out and ran past me towards the next hole. It was a white one. ’ Gordon’s initial reaction was one of doubt. Surely he must have seen some facial stripes? ‘If that wasn’t a white badger cub, than I have seen a miniature polar bear!, retorted Phil, almost indignantly. ’ The following night, recalled Gordon in one of many magazine and newspaper features which followed ‘an apparition appeared from under a tree… but this was no ghost. As I squeezed the camera release and the flashbulb flared the little animal’s tangibility expressed itself in a sneeze of alarm as it spun round and streaked back to the sett.’

22 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

These words, written with immense feeling, still resonate with someone like me who, all those years ago, wrote on seeing my first ever badger: ‘Here was a childhood character come to life. A hero, wise and kind, yet tough, too, alive in front of me. A second appeared shortly after, standing up to scratch its tum with relish before disappearing too.’ I have only seen once since, while out horse-riding near Pratts Bottom. Believe me, and certainly Gordon, when I say that with more about than ever before – ‘I once feared they could die out’ said Gordon – badger-watching is a unique way to appreciate wildlife, especially now spring’s in the air. That’s provided, said Gordon, you don’t mind mud, rain, cold winds, gnats, mosquitoes – and, of course long walks in the dark, with the inevitable blank night when there’s not a badger in sight. But sadly it’s not for nothing that the verb badger reflects the way mankind has literally badgered this amiable beast since Stone Age times; ironic, points out Gordon, as it is the original Ancient Briton and ‘ a paragon of everything we aspire to be ourselves.’ And while he may not be quite the winsome Badger of Wind in the Willows fame, a cull, believes Gordon, is not the way to rid cattle of bovine TB which undeniably causes hardship in the farming community. Remember, he says, it is a cattle disease which can be spread not just to badgers, blamed for passing it on, but to other wildlife, too, from field mice and foxes to deer. Vaccination, as with humans, is the only real answer. He speaks not only from the heart, but as someone who has made an intimate study of the species, especially the famous white badger with Snowball’s existence kept a secret as long as possible. Inevitably the story slipped out, with Gordon attracting an audience of around ten million when he appeared on television, including Blue Peter, in 1964. This included

local life

Badger Watch I found them on a sunlit morning; excavations, deep, industrious. Endless tunnels; spilling, yawning, all along the boundary hedge. I must return to see the badgers; shy, nocturnal, so retiring. Powerful, patient, non-enquiring, lovers of obscurity. Daylight fades and shadows lengthen as I breast the rising ground: Careful how my footsteps fall; from now on I must make no sound. All important wind direction; bluebell laden, blowing gently; One place to avoid detection; leeward of the badger mounds. Above, the first star glows, so soon to drown again as pastel moon, Confident at treetop height, paints the scene with borrowed light. A tawny owl on silent wings, floating out from woodland’s edge,

Images: Adam Swaine Photography

Intent on smaller, furrier things ignores me crouching in the hedge.

a shot of a blown-up painting of a badger clutching what seemed like a cartload of hay. This was painted by Gordon. For, faced with the need to capture badger life instantaneously, he became not just the man behind the lens, but also a superb self-taught artist in oils – as Adam Swaine’s images aptly show. It had taken him 20 hours to create the portrait using the finest of brushes, such was his dedication to accuracy. Nor did it stop there. Here was a man whose childhood exploits alone included falling from a 20 feet slide while evacuated to Wales in 1941, as well as doing the same from a 40 feet tree. ‘No lasting injury’, he quipped. During the following two years while on a Welsh hill farm he rode to school on horseback, helped slaughter pigs and was bitten by an adder while walking alone. He also learnt to fish and shoot, handy for a reformed poacher who went on to study wildlife, becoming the first person to spot a white-tailed sea eagle in 100 years while adrift with colleagues off Blakeney Point, Norfolk. In 1953 he saw the first collared doves to cross the Channel to Hythe, Kent. The same year he also reported the illegal shooting of stone curlew by a gamekeeper … From 1954, ‘when I discovered Gustav Mahler’s 6th Symphony, and a new lease of life’, Gordon learnt the calls and songs of more than 100 bird species, fooling one group of birdwatchers into to believing they heard a distant nightjar. Then there was the time he learnt the craft of camouflage for use in close work photography, caught the first sea trout to reach the upper reaches of the River Rother, Sussex, and was chased by a bull while badger watching at night. He also photographed the first recorded roe deer in Kent. In 1987, Gordon, originally a trained toolmaker, officially retired after working as chief security guard for Seismograph Service, then located at Holwood, Keston. Between 1972 and 2000 he also produced 32 oil paintings and restored large damaged work thought to be that of Landseer.

Deep in shadow, rhythmic murmurs; louder than the whispering trees. Now the dusky silence shatters; sense reel – a badger sneeze! Up in the silver clearing fifteen feet away, no more, Heavy bodies in procession; leading them, a kingly boar. With sow and triplet cubs he stands; alert, prepared to bolt for home. Striped heads weave the scented air; a masterpiece in monochrome. All is well, the cubs are playing. Parents too, pretend to fight. Grey mass swirling, bowling over. Joyous cries ring through the night Ever closer, tumbling badgers. What price now my hiding place? Heartbeats pound my shrinking form; the boar and I are face to face! A life-long second thus, we stare; man and beast, both minds aware Of ancient memories laid bare to sunder night’s enchanted air. Then, wildly down the bracken slope; badgers felling, sore afraid. Thudding footsteps, ever fainter, echo through the empty glade. Trudging home through man-made world, no longer does my spirit sing. Nature’s spell lets loose her hold. Perhaps I hadn’t seen a thing …

But badgers still remain his first love and was thrilled recently to learn that one had been spotted near his own house. Adamant that his passion should be shared by others he wrote a poem on badger-watching, poetry being another talent gained along the way. (see above) As for the teenagers Phil and Gary, now both retired teachers they still go the occasional badger watch. And Snowball? You could say his spirit lingers on with his genes having been passed to create more albinos spread over an even wider area of Kent. One, I can confirm, was even spotted in the Keston area only last year… march2012

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royal barber story is cut down to size!

siMpson’s plaCe: a MisplaCed sliCe of loCal history? words: John ruler

istory has a horrible habit of opening up a can of worms. Such is the case with Simpson’s Place, a once moated building ranked second only to the Bishop’s Palace, now the hub of Bromley’s civic centre. For while most sources, including websites, stick pretty well to the original history penned by one John Philipot in a major work in 1659, others, equally, if not more, qualified, rubbish the early part at least as lacking in sufficient evidence. But how did this fuss over a site which, covered in bracken, blackberries, violets and ferns in the late 19th century, arise? According to Philipot, the land – a large slice of which eventually gave way to form Ringers, Ravensbourne and Ethelbert Roads – was initially in the hands of the De Bankewells (or De Benquels or Banquells, take your pick) dating back to Edward I. Then along came William Clark, or so the story goes, who crenellated, i.e. furnished with battlements, the mansion in the time of Henry V – followed by John Simpson who, at the end of the reign of Henry

26 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

VI, was the first person named as owning the property. Even better, Edward Hasted whose writings on Kent are seen as the finest of the great Hanoverian county histories of England, pops up with another eye-catching claim: that Henry VIII’s barber was one Nicolas Simpson, owner of Simpson’s Place. He even cites as evidence a famous picture by Hans Holbein in which the King’s barber figures prominently. (see right) A nice story, but dismissed by E.L.S Horsburgh, the late great local historian, who in his book on Bromley, published in 1929, says the only licence to create battlements at a house in Bromley, presumably Simpson’s, was granted in Edward II’s reign, at least 60 years before Henry V was born; as for the legendary Nicolas Simpson, he appears to have belonged to another lot of Simpsons from Chigwell, Essex, and died in 1552. But there’s worse to come… he agrees with Daniel Lysons, notable for his 18th century works on The Environs of London, that William Clark never even existed, let alone

Images: National Portrait Gallery

created battlements at his so-called home. As for the De Banquels there was admittedly a family with that name who owned property in Bromley, Mottingham, Eltham and Chislehurst. But it did not include Simpson’s. So how did all Philipot’s early history come about? It was probably, says Horsburgh – who admits to be initially taken in himself – when an early document, dated 1310, referred to a permit being granted to William de Bliburgh – described as ‘our clerk’ i.e. a clerk in Chancery and possibly a priest – ‘ to strengthen and crenellate with a wall of stone and lime his house in Bromley, Kent…’ This most likely led to the fictitious William Clark and his alleged licence from Henry V. From then on Horsburgh quotes a string of names – including a long duration in the hands of the well known Style family – which connect the de Bliburgh estate with that of Robert Simpson who certainly became owner of Simpson’s Place on the death of his father, a rich London merchant and a member of the Drapers’ Company. From this point on the history essentially harmonises with that handed down by past historians, including John Dunkin, whose Outlines of the History and Antiquities of Bromley, written in 1815 is still regarded as gospel. Mind you, he did add a bit about the haunting of the house by ‘ a lady dressed in white with a lighted torch in her hand, accompanied by a gentleman in dark clothes with a high-crowned broad-brimmed hat which flapped over the sides of his face.’ This, along with other stories of mysterious noises heard both in and around the house, helps mitigate for the rumours about a Simpson being the king’s barber. The estate’s gradual decline came when it was sold by auction in 1820 by the then owner Lord Gwydir. Part of it, including Simpson’s Place, was bought by Robert Veitch who installed his gardener in the old mansion. But the building was rapidly falling apart, so much so that, with all sentiment for it now lost, some of the land was grabbed by the fast developing Mid-Kent Railway. The old moated farm buildings were likewise swept away in 1868-69 to make way for the likes of Ringers Road, named after a well-respected overseer in 1766 who occupied the house for more than 50 years. All rather an inauspicious end, I feel, to what was once described as a quadrangular fortified building, surrounded by a moat, 25 to 30 feet wide on all sides with a huge and very handsome red-brick chimney built in the time of Henry VIII adorning the centre of the northeast side. But by 1831 the public had lost all interest in it, and by 1838 the manor house was ‘ timestricken’. But it was not quite the end of the story. In the 1960s the Simpsons Road area was back in the news, and remains so even today as our second caption feature shows.

Image: Courtesy Kentish Times

local life

HANDS up those that remember the shoe repairer’s kiosk (see above) on the corner of Simpson’s Road almost opposite Bromley South station? A few old fogeys, like myself, perhaps, so let’s try another – Telephone House, which in the ’sixties became part of Westmoreland Place which included traders displaced from Simpsons Road. These included The Wool Shop, (see far left) showing Mrs and Mrs Hieger and Miss W.N. Doyle in 1967. By this time the glass and concrete complex, known as Windy Centre, was reviled by many as being one of the worse kind of tower block excesses of the era. In 1994, after many months of negotiations, Churchill Insurance (now part of the Royal Bank of Scotland) re-adapted the old structure in three stages. This reopened in June 1999, in a much more pleasing style. Few, too, will regret losing the dank underground shopping centre that went with it.

How many, however, will welcome the latest £80m development plan for what has been dubbed Bromley South Central. This calls for the replacement of the Westmoreland Road car park with a 130-bedroom hotel, 200 apartments, 25,000 square feet of cafes and restaurants along with a nine screen multiplex cinema. Five of these storeys would be underground. There would also be a landscaped public square and a new 400 space underground car park. Subject to planning permission, building work would be finished in 2014. So it seems Simpson’s ghostly lady and her top-hatted friend may see yet another twist in the story of this historic part of Bromley… It is certainly haunting Bromley Civic Society who welcome the end of the ‘hideous’ throwback to the ‘sixties but have strong reservations about its effect on other parts of the town, not least in the north.

Henry VIII’s barber claimed as one Nicolas Simpson, owner of Simpson’s Place, certainly figures in the famous picture, left, but is the wrong Simpson ! march2012

fooD DriNK

BBC Good Food show 2012 12, 12 – 15 April 20 r tE BluEWA

celebrity chefs are coming to Glow, Bluewater. BBc Good food Show Spring announce the line up.

he BBC Good Food Show Spring is launching at Glow, Bluewater in April and announces a line up of celebrity chefs and TV programmes never before seen under one roof in Kent! Tickets to the Show include a session in the 650 seat Supertheatre which gives you a chance to enjoy sessions including Saturday Kitchen Live and MasterChef. On top of this you can enjoy live demonstrations from some of the nation’s favourite TV foodie faces including James Martin, Gino D’Acampo, John Torode and Gregg Wallace, Gennaro Contaldo and Olly Smith. Plus the Show will host the country’s first chance to see the MasterChef Champion 2012 live on stage! Celebrity Chef James Martin says “The line up for 28 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

the BBC Good Food Show Spring is looking set to be one of their best. This is a rare opportunity for members of the public to see so many of their food heroes cooking live all under one roof ! What a fantastic opportunity to meet your favourite chefs, star spot plus shop from some of the country’s finest producers!” sAturdAy kitCHEN

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Taste try and buy your way round over 100 fantastic producers including areas dedicated to FoodLovers approved produce and Produced in Kent. to Book plEAsE visit

BBCGoodFoodShowSpring. com or call 0844 581 1362 Tickets include timed show entry and a seat in the Supertheatre Timed show entry times: Morning session 9.30am – 2pm Afternoon session 2.30pm – 7pm

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kitchen life

f you want to make a home buyer’s eyes light up as they enter your property, you’ll present them with something sleek, glossy, and with curves in all the right places. Naturally, we’re talking about the allure of a stylish kitchen, which has re-emerged as a key factor in selling a property. Phil Spencer from Location, Location, Location advises “Branded kitchens go in and out of fashion, so be careful what you choose. You don’t want buyers dating your kitchen by the colour or style of the doors, so opt for classic designs and easy-on-the-eye colours.” And, as the fashion is for a kitchen to be the multifunctional ‘heart of the home’, he believes it doesn’t make sense to stint on appliances, worktops and tiles. He says a

a fireplace up on the wall like a painting, which is a focal point, and cosy in winter. “As I’m always hosting dinners and love having guests drinking and chatting while I cook, I wanted this to be an open and alluring space for friends to relax. “The island bar is where everyone gravitates - it’s not only a ‘chill and chat’ zone, it’s a place to work, read and have breakfast and so upholstered comfortable chairs are an essential. Maximising space with an island bar on doublesided central units, using reflective surfaces such as glossy lacquer or silky polished plaster and employing the colour taupe - a perfect neutral which creates an atmosphere of harmony and calm. We have checked out kitchen

trends so you can choose a kitchen to suit your personal taste and practical needs. Curves

Hard-edge industrial-style kitchens initially made popular by TV celebrity chefs are now waning, and a more family friendly look with softer, curved outlines is now appealing. The days of just buying a total look ‘off the shelf ’ is gone. People are looking to customise their kitchens and make them as individual as they can. Curves are most certainly back in style and this versatile range allows them the freedom to do that. Accent doors come in a selection of effects from fuchsia to aubergine or wood finishes like zebrano. Glass splashbacks, and different textures from glossy lacquer to

A kitchen to fit your personality

matt wood are other options. Super shiny

Glossy, lacquer finishes are in vogue for homes, and a strong trend for kitchens. Small wonder, as this effect works brilliantly by helping to bounce light around, and can even make standard units look glamorous. One of the latest finishes for cabinets are high gloss veneers that give a rustic look with a modern edge. High gloss finish kitchens are beautiful and always deliver real impact in the home. Pure white and High Gloss White is a stunning, their streamlined appearance can be enhanced by being handleless. Monochrome

Despite the emergence of more colour in the home, black and white still remains a chic combination that’s unlikely to date. Black and white is a classic and the most popular choice of many buyers. The advantage is that it works in either a modern or more traditional setting. The most daring looks now are all white or all black kitchens, with striking metallics integrated. Colour story

great kitchen can add around 5% to the value of a property and a good kitchen does sell a house faster. Estate agents say that women buyers put the kitchen at the top of the property wish list. But getting the layout right is crucial, so concentrate on putting appliances in the right place and having properly planned storage space. Entertaining zone

Kitchens are now as popular as dining and entertaining areas, and Kelly Hoppen, the renowned home designer has devised her own streamlined recipe for creating space, and the kitchen plays a major role in the process. “It’s definitely the theatre at the heart of my home,” she says. “To cook and entertain at home is now cool and I have 30 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

Staying put, but desperate to improve? A new kitchen’s a wise investment, and you could bag a bargain.

Colour never fails to make an impact, and there’s a kaleidoscope of shades on offer as kitchen companies embrace this trend. Many traditionalists still favour a stained wood finish, this year the red high-gloss kitchen continues to be a leading choice for those are looking for a modern space. Freestanding

Thrifty buyers are now comfortable with a kitchen that doesn’t shriek ‘off the peg’ style and has a non-matching or even free-standing look. There’s far less formality in the home than ever before and this is reflected in the trend towards freestanding kitchens. These offer a great deal of flexibility and can be configured in different ways to accommodate the changing needs of the family.

KiTcHeN life

an oasis of urban chic

unbridge Wells, Sevenoaks and the leafy suburbs such as Chislehurst are the natural habitat of former city dwellers, and frankly some of them find the separation from metropolitan living a bit of a struggle. So it feels a bit like a homecoming when these slightly reluctant escapees discover Krieder in Chapel Place, just off Tunbridge Wells High Street. Its chic, minimalist showroom, suitably fragrant and gently throbbing (the music that is), proves that there really is a life outside the M25 which

32 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

bears some resemblance to what they have left behind. Krieder’s own story mirrors theirs. This British brand has made a name for itself in the capital, with its Germanengineered kitchens, bedrooms and living room furniture which cater to sophisticated, contemporary and, let’s face it, more urban tastes. Tunbridge Wells was new territory. Since Krieder dipped its toe in provincial waters, it has been met with considerable enthusiasm, or maybe it’s just relief. Now with a string of stunning projects to its name outside London, Krieder has been busy recruiting designers

and adding to its superefficient in-house fitting team to meet the demand generated by its local presence. Two of Krieder’s talented design team were shortlisted for this year’s prestigious annual KBB Review Awards – the industry’s Oscars. Chris Etheridge was in the final four for the Designer of the Year in the under £30,000 kitchen category, while Justin Marley was shortlisted in the £30,000 - £50,000 group. For those who have walked swiftly past the showroom, deterred by how expensive it looks, it might come as a surprise that Krieder caters for the under

£30,000 budget. For appearances can be deceptive: the Krieder look is in fact achievable for as little as £15,000. High Gloss white with minimalist lines is the definitive Krieder, but the company has a broad vision of contemporary style, and has added a selection of stone to its kitchen lineup. And not only for worktops either suitable for cabinets, splash backs as well as worktops, Krieder’s stone options include granite, slate, quartzite, soapstone, Silestone and limestone. These natural materials can be specified in a variety of textures with edges either traditionally finished or roughhewn. Krieder can also supply polished concrete for a level of urban sophistication that’s not in everyone’s comfort zone. When it comes to natural stone, customers can opt for a totally integrated look with all surfaces in the same material, or they can complement the natural stone with glass, stainless steel, Corian or timber worksurfaces. Stone works equally well with solid white or subtle colours for the cabinets. Whether it is the deep lustre of highly-polished granite, the muted tones and silky touch of soapstone, the distinctive grain of limestone or the fine glimmer of quartzite, Krieder’s natural stone options are an inspiring addition to the designer’s palette. Whatever your vision, pop in to Chapel Place, and you might be surprised just how well the Krieder look fits with modern as well as more traditional surroundings. Maybe you really can have it all. Krieder, 3 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1YQ, Tel: 01892 619 721, www.krieder.com

German engineered,

British designed

Kitchens, bedrooms & living furniture Kriederâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sole objective is to create products of beauty, rich in quality & daring in combination. As a market leader, we push the boundaries of cutting edge design in order to provide solutions of ultimate efficiency, carefully combined with utter indulgence. We spend time understanding the needs of our clients, allowing us to create and then build the most effective and usable product possible.

To discuss your ideas, contact us by phone 01892 619 721 or by email; sales@krieder.com Alternatively visit us online; www.krieder.com or at our showroom; 3 Chapel Place, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, TN1 1YQ Showroom opening hours; Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 5.30pm

kitchen life

Roma interiors: Kitchen experts

oma Interiors has been a leading supplier of competitively priced kitchens in East Kent for the past twelve years so they understand that considering a new kitchen is a major and significant purchase. With showrooms in Ashford and in Walderslade Village near Chatham, Roma is well positioned to offer its services to a vast swathe of the county of Kent. The designer range of kitchens that Roma offer is simply vast and can be built to fit the most awkward kitchen layout, ensuring that the finished project is exactly how their clients expect it. The range of kitchens available can be highly traditional finishes or equally be of a sleeker and contemporary style. Our designers are comfortable in producing layouts for you in whatever finish you eventually decide on. The kitchen design is a vital part of the process and begins with our designers assisting in establishing exactly what you require by recognising your life style and understanding what you like and dislike about your existing kitchen. 34 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

Roma then work together with you to create a layout with ideas that will really work for you. This provides you with exactly the kitchen you are looking for; be it one to entertain in or for it to be the work hub of your home. You will be able to take

advantage of seeing a vast number of images of kitchens that the company has supplied over the recent past with glowing testimonials from former clients. You will also be able to see your own kitchen come to life in three dimensional full colour images which will show details of the wall colours and flooring that you intend to use. Intrinsic in the choice of the units within your kitchen is consideration for the cooking appliances and sinks that will provide you with the all-important features that you will need to put your kitchen to full use. Appliances need careful consideration and will be determined by your lifestyle, therefore our designers have an in-depth training from our appliance manufacturers to ensure full functionality and top performances from their products. Roma offer sound advice and take their time with you to understand exactly what you are seeking from the appliances you include in your final choice. A wide variety of worktop choices are on hand at Roma along with valuable advice on

the benefits of any of these surfaces - laminate, solid surface, granite, quartz or Corian. Roma have experience in all of these materials and has a range of examples for you to see. The excellent project management skills at Roma have been tried and tested over numerous previous Installations and the project management team are on hand to provide you with a seamless fitting programme, timed to ensure that all trades are on site exactly when required to avoid any delay in the completion of your kitchen and to hand it over to you on the expected finish date. Your completed Roma kitchen will give you many years of good service and become an important area of the house that you will be continually proud of. Roma Interiors, Units 15 & 16 Heron Business Centre, Henwood, Ashford, Kent, TN24 8DH, Tel: 01233 645530 Walderslade Shopping Centre, Walderslade Road, Chatham, Kent, ME5 9LR, Tel: 01634 868721 www.roma-interiors.co.uk

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Walderslade Shopping Centre, Walderslade Rd, Chatham, Kent ME5 9LR Telephone 01634 868721

www.roma-interiors.co.uk

kitchen life

individual

Kitchens to be as

as you are

itchens of quality have a distinctive feel to them. They combine reliability with innovation, function with style, classic design with contemporary living. One of Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-established kitchen furniture manufacturers is Stoneham Kitchens, based in Sidcup, Kent. Still a family owned and run concern, the company has a history going back over 140 years to 1864. So, with a skilled workforce the feel of traditional English craftsmanship comes through strongly even in their most contemporary of designs. Today Stoneham are a modern, high-tech operation with

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strong design, manufacturing and commitment to tradition. They also hold the Royal Warrant to HM The Queen. When you deal with any of Stonehamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nationwide appointed dealers you can have confidence in knowing that they are able to design their kitchen from one of the largest collections of innovative and functional products. The result will be furniture that is as efficient and reliable as it is delightful and timeless. True to its family roots Stoneham design and produce all their own furniture to specification. Everything is

created for individual lifestyle and designed around the principles of Dynamic Space planning to maximise and optimise intelligent storage. Not only do they make kitchens – but furniture of distinction that permeates the culture of beauty and craftsmanship throughout the home. What shines through on viewing any one of the Kent company’s diverse styles is that their in-house designers are at the cutting edge of their trade and the company has been able to combine traditional and modern materials to produce

designs of unique longevity and value. This is evidenced by Stoneham’s state of the art facilities for curved door production and the dedicated finishing plant that will custom match any colour for your painted kitchen to help fulfil your personal lifestyle. In essence, kitchens are hand built by Stoneham to be as functional and reliable as they are delightful and timeless. Stoneham Plc, Powerscroft Road Sidcup, Kent, 020 8300 8181 www.stoneham-kitchens.co.uk march2012

kitchen life

kitchens At County

Celebrating 30 Years Why would you not walk into a standalone kitchen showroom.

ost people believe a kitchen showroom is more expensive whether its supply only or supply and fit. While its true that you will undoubtedly receive a better quality product you may be surprised that this with the added benefit of a free CAD design individually tailored and extreme personal advice totally focussed to you and your needs, the difference in cost is surprisingly low. Our Kitchen Collection offers one of the broadest collections of mid range kitchens that spans tradition, urban, in-frame, painted and hand painted through to contemporary styles and finishes to suit all budgets, tastes and lifestyles. Offering inspirational concepts, supported by the very highest standards in specification, the range offers stylish yet practical kitchens for everyone. Our creative and experienced designers are on hand to help turn ideas into stylish yet practical kitchens that offer quality, longevity and style. The collection has over 5000 different products 38 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

with many shapes, sizes, mechanisms and internal components ranging from innovative recycling solutions, clever corner storage and automated electronic opening systems to name but a few. Cabinets offer robust, quality including 19mm rigid cabinets in an extensive range of colour and finish options with colour co-ordinated interiors and exteriors. All feature high quality internal mechanisms from leading suppliers like Blum and Kessebohmer, and are available in a large range of sizes including reduced depth. Complemented by a choice of doors in over 70 finishes including MFC, foil wrapped, veneer, a vast range of solid wood, high gloss and painted finishes in both slab, shaker and curved door styles together with a superb range of pre-primed finishes. Whether looking for a bold statement look or a soft natural scheme, our doors give ultimate design flexibility offering a mix and match palette of cabinet finishes, door

colours and handles for you to choose from, all designed to work in complete harmony to create your unique kitchen. Luxury is not simply about a designer price tag, but real values such as craftsmanship, innovation and affordability. At County we embrace all of these elements, whilst still expressing the essence of true design. Our Latest Addition – The New Revival Range

A collection of beautiful period in-frame kitchens that merge traditional craftsmanship with a style for today. Each kitchen is built with highly specified cabinetry incorporating solid wood and skilfully made to display its exceptional quality. The range offers intricate freestanding and fitted pieces such as standalone pantries dressers and sideboards

and a broad selection of period styles, colours and a ready-to-paint range. But its the finishing touches that make an English Revival in-frame kitchen truly special. Solid wood dovetailed drawerboxes, intricate mantel surrounds and traditional freestanding pieces like the pot board dresser, combination larders and countertop pantries, all help capture and perpetuate the true spirit of English Revival. The English classic look shown within the English Revival Shaker range evokes a traditional style that’s currently in vogue. The painted collection is all about creating real impact with colour, and these enticing tones derive from key periods in design history. Our four showrooms have selected ranges on show of hi-gloss, shaker foil finishes, oak, hand-painted & painted, solid wood with feature burr centre panels all teamed together with quartz, granite, floor and wall tiling, limestone, travertine, slate porcelain and glass. Our design team can advice you on sinks, taps, through to fridge, dishwashers, ovens & microwaves – visit our website to see what Kitchens at County can offer you.

www.kitchensatcounty.co.uk County – The Home Improvers Tunbridge Wells 01892 542692 Haywards Heath 01444 414344 Heathfield 01435 861490 Hailsham 01323 401044 Specialist granite & Marble and natural stone showroom)

County T H E H O M E I M P R OV E R S

Beautiful kitchens. Designed, fully installed and project managed

KiTcHeN life

Creating your Dream kitchen

With Woodwork Traditional Handmade furniture

inding a kitchen company to work with to create your dream kitchen can be a difficult process especially if its a project you have not tackled before. Recommendations from friends and family can be a big help, and one local company that consistently benefits from such recommendations is Woodwork Traditional Handmade Furniture, whose main showroom is in London Road, Southborough. The key reasons customers give for recommending Woodwork are the quality of their product, their customer service ethos and the price. Many people mistakenly believe that a bespoke wooden kitchen made individually for their home will be out of their budget. They are genuinely surprised when they compare Woodworks prices with the larger national kitchen companies.

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Woodwork provide a complete design, make and fit service. They make all the cabinets and furniture themselves at their workshops in Chiddingstone, clients are very welcome to visit the workshops to see their kitchens being made for themselves. This ability to work directly with the client is extremely useful when making individual bespoke pieces to fit a specific design brief. The key to making great kitchens lies not only the skill of the craftsmen in the workshop but also in the ability of the designers to listen to their clients unique requirements and produce a design that works on all levels. Nowadays, the kitchen is the central room of the house, so it not only provides a culinary function, but maybe also dining, TV room, home office, storage, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s playroom and pets

bedroom! It also needs to look good with a certain wow factor, be easy to look after, and come within the budget. In addition, the design has to fulfill all the practical elements that the room requires and reflect the individual style and needs of the client. In addition it must work with the design elements and building features already within the home. Woodworks experienced designers understand the complexities and the need to work closely with their clients to establish a clear design brief. They then put together an initial design and quotation - free of charge and with no obligation. As the project develops, the designer is always the clients point of contact from start to finish ensuring complete continuity. As industry professionals, the Woodwork designers have a great deal of experience in advising clients what will work in their home, and sometimes, more importantly, what wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t. It is often the finishing touches that really define a kitchen, so design advice on colour schemes for all elements in the room - cabinets, walls, floors etc - is all included in the service. Sample handles, worktops and paint samples are provided to try at home. The huge range of appliances available can sometimes be quite daunting, so Woodwork guide clients through choosing

the right ones for their particular needs, they also supply the full ranges from all the major manufacturers. The range of worktops, from traditional woods, granites and laminates to stunning glass and concrete creations also needs careful consideration, and will be covered in detail with the designers As with many industries Woodwork recognise that it is important to keep abreast of current and cutting edge trends in the marketplace to ensure that clients have everything they need to make an informed choice. Coupled with this Woodwork believe in traditional work values and that the most important

thing for their clients is that they receive an excellent product with excellent service at the right price. Woodwork apply this same approach to all the furniture they make, including beautiful bedroom furniture (fitted and freestanding) , studies, bathroom furniture and storage solutions for every room in the house. If you think Woodwork can help with your home, come and have a browse in the newly refurbished showroom at 78 London Road, Southborough or book a no obligation design appointment by phone or email. Showroom 01892 533273 Website wwthf.co.uk Email Susie_wwthf@tiscali.co.uk

LE SA

WE HAVE THE

PERFECT BLEND TRANSFORM OF WORKTOP STYLES TO

YOUR KITCHEN

o r kto p s w e k o p B es o n to p th a t fi t ay w i th d e n o n F i tt e d i s o r d e m o l i ti o n no mes l o u r s to o c 0 6 r Ove r om choose f l e ssi o n a f o r p n O u r o w fi t t e r s e xpert e y l d n e i om Fr d fr e e h n a e c i v ad a ti o n c o n sult w s o fi t n e l a n a c We door s ki tc h e n

Book a free home consultation with our product consultants and weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll show you how easy it is to transform your kitchen worktops.

Call now 01892 517385 At Granite Transformations we offer a complete package for updating your work surface and appliances. Fitting a new worktop is fast and effective with each top custom made to fit your exact requirements. There is no need to remove old surfaces, we fit directly over your existing surface. We guarantee complete peace of mind from start to finish. Let us show you how we can transform your kitchen with our simply superior surfaces. Anywhere Showroom: Anywhere Road, Road, Sat Anyplace, Anywhereshire. AN2 3QF Showrooms open: Mon-Fri 9.00-4.30pm 9.00-4.00pm Open:5,Mon-Fri 9-4.30pm 9-4pm Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays Unit Tunbridge Wells Sat Trade Park, Longfield Road, www.granitetransformations.co.uk/anywhere (next to Build Center), Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN2 3QF Anywhere Showroom: Anywhere Road, Road, Anyplace, Anywhereshire. AN2 3QF 5 Sidcup High Street, Sidcup, Kent DA14 6EN Open: Mon-Fri 9-4.30pm Sat 9-4pm Closed Sundays & Bank Holidays

w w w.granitetransformations.co.uk /tunwells www.granitetransformations.co.uk/anywhere

Granite Transformations manufacture and install Granite, Stone, Quartz and Glass worktops

KiTcHeN life

the bold and the beautiful K

itchens today are the focal point of our homes, more than purely a place to cook food: somewhere to eat, to entertain and to relax. With less time on our hands and kitchens no longer the domain of ‘housewives’, the function of the kitchen has changed. It has absorbed a number of roles and transformed the way we use space. However, the new importance placed on kitchen living does not mean we should ignore its principal function. For kitchens to be enjoyable places they must work well – the layout of appliances, the provision of adequate storage space and areas of preparation and lighting are just a few of the considerations. As an intensely used space and one where we are spending more and more time, thoughtful planning and thorough design is essential. Well designed kitchens allow you to move seamlessly and work comfortably

and efficiently, integrating appliances, equipment and furniture into the space. The essentials of good planning are the same whether you want to change your kitchen significantly, or you just want to bring it up to date. Thoughtful planning and investment are required to achieve the best result. To reach the ultimate layout you need to look at all the options, taking into consideration functions and space. When you see a professional kitchen designer you will need to have a good idea of what you want from your kitchen and what style you feel is right for you and your home, but don’t be tied to your existing arrangement. A good design will create a good-looking kitchen purpose made for your way of working. Consider all the options and the benefits will be enduring – a stylish and practical kitchen that you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Work surfaces, furniture,

“NoW is tHE timE to BE Bold ANd AdvENturous ANd Go For WHAt you rEAlly WANt.” 42 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

flooring and lighting are the fundamental elements that will inspire character in your kitchen. It is important to consider both style and efficiency when it comes to making decisions about the choice of items and finishes for your kitchen. Now is the time to be bold and adventurous and go for what you really want. Devices and appliances are revolutionising the kitchen, becoming increasingly more efficient, the latest advances helping us in every way. These developments have the potential to change the way we live and how we enjoy and use our kitchens, but should be considered against the overall design and aesthetics of the kitchen. As the centre of the home, kitchens are the heart of family life. One of the few places where families spend time together, where we can socialise with friends and where we can relax. Enjoy your kitchen and make sure it’s the best room in the house! For more kitchen advice contact Adrian Graves from Fiesta on 020 8302 1368, via email adrian@fiestadesign.co.uk or visit www.fiestadesign.co.uk

KiTcHeN life

Going the extra mile by Kitchen and Bedroom Transformations w hen it comes to spending money on your kitchen, whether simply updating your worktops and doors or installing a whole new design, everyone wants to know they’re getting the finest quality materials and highest level of service, at the best possible price. Choosing the right company for the job can feel like a tough decision, but with Kitchen & Bedroom Transformations (KABT) your ideal kitchen is closer to home than you think. Based in Orpington, KABT has been designing and fitting bespoke kitchens and bedrooms since 1995. They’re big enough to turn your grand ideas into reality, but small enough to give it that personal touch. For Owner, Mike

Whitmore, fitting kitchens is all about excellent customer service. “At KABT we’re always willing to go that extra mile to help out. Whether it’s running you down to the tile shop, advising on the most cost-effective design, or coming to see you at a time most convenient for you; we believe that quality service is a key ingredient in creating your ideal kitchen.” KABT is being asked to provide a wide range of kitchen

improvements, from full bespoke redesigns to simple upgrades, replacing worktops and doors. “People don’t always have or want to spend a lot of money, but they can still get the kitchen makeover they’ve always wanted,” says Mike. “We have a huge choice of doors and worktop styles and colours, and source from a variety of manufacturers so we can always find the right ones for our customers.” Why not give KABT a call and arrange a design consultation? After all, it’s free. And what better way to start transforming the heart of your home, and the way you live. Kitchen & Bedroom Transformations 6 Marion Crescent, Orpington Kent, BR5 2DD 01689 831 400 www.kabt.co.uk

W.C. ONE

BATHROOMS TILES |SE3 RADIATORS 11 Lee Road,| KITCHENS Blackheath|Village, 3RQ 020 8297 1118 info@wcone.co.uk www.wcone.co.uk 9.30-5.30 Tues-Fri, 9.30-5 Sat. Closed Sun & Mon design and installation service available

Refreshingly Good! bathrooms • radiators • tiles • accessories

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THE KITCHEN DOCTOR Do you wish you could give your kitchen a facelift without all the effort and expense of a new kitchen? Or would you like to finally sort those broken drawers, loose hinges etc... The Kitchen Doctor offers a comprehensive and flexible service which means tired kitchens no longer need to be discarded. Choose from a huge range of doors which

are made to measure for your kitchen. You can change your worktops, update your appliances, sink and taps as well as upgrading to soft close doors and drawers. Whether it is a repair or a complete makeover, the Kitchen Doctor offers a flexible service which means you can choose how much you wish to change in your kitchen. You also make significant savings over the cost of a new kitchen and the disruption is kept to a minimum. To find out more about how this well established local business could help you, please contact The Kitchen Doctor, Oak House, 1 Sevenoaks Road, Pratts Bottom, Kent BR6 7SF Tel: 01689 850000 Web: www.thekitchendoctor.com Email: chris@thekitchendoctor.com

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Kitchens at County

also Bathrooms Bedrooms Studies

Kitchens Appliances Granite Silestone & Quartz Glass Splashbacks CAD Design

Traditional Contemporary Urban Hi-Gloss Solid Wood Hand Painted In-frame Doors Handleless

SHOWROOMS Hailsham Haywards Heath Heathfield Tunbridge Wells

Natural Stone Floor & Wall Tiling

Celebrating 30 Years 01323 401044 01444 414344 01435 861490 01892 542692

visit www.kitchensatcounty.co.uk

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HouSe GarDeN

sBi Quality Guaranteed SBi ltd was established in 1998 and is an independent company specialising in the supply and installation of conservatory awnings, roof & window Solar films & Foils, plus all types of internal & external sun blinds and ﬂy screens. sBi CoNsErvAtory AWNiNGs.

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Designed to sit neatly above your conservatory roof, our awnings help to stop the sun from reaching the glass, greatly reducing any heat gain and an ideal alternative to the pleated blinds. A remote control is standard and you can add a sun and wind sensor to be fully automated.

SBI External roller screens operate like a roller blind but they are on the outside of the conservatory. They stop a lot of the heat before it can enter the windows insects are kept out but the cool air can still get in. tHE sBi promisE

sBi CoNsErvAtory solAr WiNdoW/rooF FilmiNG For GlAss.

Now is the time to prepare for a scorching summer and to have Solar Film installed in your conservatory. SBI window solar reduction films adhere directly to your windows or roof and reject up to 80% of excess solar heat during the summer months. Your film will reflect the Suns energy and acts like a mirror, keeping you cooler in the summer whilst retaining heat in the winter without significant loss of light.. sBi solAr Foil iNsErts For polyCArBoNAtE CoNsErvAtory rooFs.

SBI Foil Inserts prevents 80% of the sun’s heat from the conservatory and also shields it from 99% of ultra Violet rays that damage your furniture and fabrics. unlike blinds which gather dust, dirt and insects, and need regular maintenance SBI Foil Inserts require no maintenance 46 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

CoNsErvAtory BliNds

Perfect Fit Blinds have a frame built around the blind and clip to the window, door or sky light with no need for holes to be drilled. Perfect fit frames can hold pleated, roller and metal or wooden Venetian blinds Pleated Blinds are available in two different sizes 25mm or 20mm, single pleats or honey-comb structures, they can be free hanging or fitted in between your window frames. Our stylish pleated blinds have different levels of transparencies and can be

Pleated blinds are the ideal choice for complex roof shapes. Your blinds can be manually operated or remote control piNolEum (Wood WEAvE) BliNds

Pinoleum Blinds are constructed from the finest quality wood and woven into strips in Roller and Roman blind styles and give a subtle, dappled light effect that enables excellent visibility. The Pinoleum blind range can be operated by remote control, pole or cord

SBI also specialise in commercial applications to restaurants, public houses, hotels, schools, Hospitals, industry and have hundreds of satisfied customers through out the uK. SBI supply and install the latest remote controlled continental awnings with sun and wind sensors, integrated dimmable spot lights and quartz heaters and offer the more traditional services refurbishing existing awnings/canopies. SBI also offer awnings - canopies - covered walkways – giant umbrellas – free standing awnings - windbreakers - carports door canopies - conservatory awnings/blinds/films/solar inserts - all types of internal blinds - fly screens – security shutters/bars/grills – remote control roller garage doors. SBI are full members of the British Blinds & Shutters Association and have been thoroughly vetted with a full detailed inspection of their premises. So you can be guaranteed to receive quality products, expert fitting and a full back up service. Contact SBI on free call 0800 0742 721 or email sbi.install@btinternet.com. For a full range of products visit www.sbiproducts.co.uk or www.shopblindslondon.co.uk

fa S H i o N W e e K

A WORLD OF CELEBRITIES AND FAMOUS PEOPLE, BEAUTIFUL AND EXPENSIVE CLOTHES AND GENERAL FASHION GLITZ.

HiGHLiGHts

lonDon faSHioN Week autumn/Winter 2012 Collection

march2012

f a sh i o n w e e k

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PAUL SMITH

JOHN ROCHA

PRINGLE OF SCOTLAND

OSMAN

BURBERRY PRORSUM

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he vibrant and internationally renowned London Fashion he vibrant and Weekinternationally is always exciting and inspirational, andLondon last month's renowned event Fashion proved toWeek be just is that. always London Fashion Week presented exciting and inspirational, and last another unrivalled opportunity forthat. both month’s event proved to be just established designers and newcomers to London Fashion present their latest Week presented another collections. A opportunity constantly unrivalled buzzing key event for those for both established who haven't got designers andthe newcomers patience to wait until the to present their latest latest fashion designs and collections. A constantly stylish fashion buzzing keytrends event make for it into the fashion those who haven’t got magazines. the patience to wait until elatest magicfashion of London the designs Fashion Week is not and stylish fashion merely thanks trends maketoitthe into the fashion designers' and fashion magazines. fashion stylists' The magic of London cutting-edge collections Fashion Week is not butmerely the media excitement thanks to the thatfashion accompanies them. designers’ and efashion allure of the show is stylists’ cuttingexceptional and London edge collections but Fashion Weekexcitement continues to the media be that the top fashion event accompanies pulling visitors from them. The allure ofevery the corner globe. showofisthe exceptional It'sLondon a week where designers are free to and Fashion Week continues at will and experiment with new create to be the top fashion event pulling trends for clothing. e world watches as visitors from every corner of the globe. fashion history is made. While we are all It’s a week where designers are free to thinking our autumn wardrobes and create atabout will and experiment with new digging out our winter jumpers in an trends for clothing. The world watches attempt to stay warm, werewe are as fashion history is designers made. While showcasing this year’sourAutumn/Winter all thinking about autumn wardrobes collections during last winter month's London and digging out our jumpers Fashion Week. in an attempt to stay warm, designers eshowcasing this first lady of British fashion today were year’s Autumn/ made her appearance at this season's Winter collections during last Samantha London Fashion Week. month’s London Fashion Week. Cameron graced front row of thetoday The first ladythe of British fashion Christopher Kane catwalk show at central made her appearance at this season’s London's NewWeek. Change shopping London One Fashion Samantha centre. e Prime wife,of who Cameron gracedMinister's the front row theis ambassador to the British Fashion Council Christopher Kane catwalk show at central (BFC), was One spotted wearing a Joseph London’s New Change shopping trouser suit and a Jonathan Saunders greenis centre. The Prime Minister’s wife, who shirt. She also to sported a pair Fashion of wedged ambassador the British Council black highwas shoes showing off a asmall blue (BFC), spotted wearing Joseph tattoo on her right ankle. Mrs Cameron trouser suit and a Jonathan Saunders green withalso BFC executives chatted shirt. She sported a pairbefore of wedged watching the autumn/winter collection. black high shoes showing off a small blue So who was taking front row tattoo on else her right ankle.the Mrs Cameron seats at London Fashion Week? chatted with BFC executives before Celebrities the worlds of sport, watching thefrom autumn/winter collection. music the Burberry Soand whofilm elsewatched was taking the front Prorsum show at Kensington Gardens row seats at London Fashion Week? in London. Rap star Will.i.am was and Celebrities from the worlds there of sport, Hollywood Kate Bosworth was over music andactress film watched the Burberry from her native Angeles forGardens the event.in Prorsum showLos at Kensington Former 'Strictly Come Dancing' contestant London. Rap star Will.i.am was there and

Holly Valance attended with her property tycoon fiancéactress Nick Candy. Singer Will Hollywood Kate Bosworth was Young wrapped up in a cosy cashmere over from her native Los Angeles for the knit.Boxer Amir Khan made the event. Former ‘Strictly ComeupDancing’ sportspeople on the front row......along with contestant Holly Valance attended with former athlete Denise Lewis. her property tycoon fiancé Nick Candy. StellaWill McCartney’s show proved one Singer Young wrapped up in aher cosy of the most influential designers in the cashmere knit.Boxer Amir Khan made world. many hadon a guest list like this up theNot sportspeople the front row...... one: Rihanna, Kate Moss, Jamie Hince, along with former athlete Denise Lewis. Harlow – and Amber Shalomshow StellaValletta, McCartney’s proved herthat was the most seating plan of Stella’s own table. onejust of the influential designers Much tableNot hopping went aonguest as Yasmin in the world. many had Le Bon chatted to Paul Whitehouse, list like this one: Rihanna, Kate Moss, Minnie DriverAmber caughtValletta, up with Mario Jamie Hince, Shalom Testino, Richard E Grant met Harlow - and that was just theAlison Mosshart, Jo Whiley caught up with British seating plan of Stella’s own table. singing sensation Katy B – it a case of Much table hopping wentwas on as Yasmin who wasn’t there. Le Bon chatted to Paul Whitehouse, Topshop Unique always draws a Minnie Driver caught up with Mario celebrity-packed front row. Alexa Chung Testino, Richard E Grant met Alison in classic navy looked casual stylish Mosshart, Jo but Whiley caught up with jeans andsinging coat. Girls AloudKaty singer, British sensation B -make-up it entrepreneur follower of was a case ofand whodedicated wasn’t there. fashion Nicola Roberts also attended Topshop Unique always draws a the Topshop Unique show. celebrity-packed front row. Alexa Chung Actress andbut designer Frostnavy also looked casual stylishSadie in classic made the Vivienne jeans an andappearance coat. GirlsatAloud singer, Westwood Red Label show make-up entrepreneur and looking dedicated summery in salmon pink. follower of fashion Nicola Roberts also At Aquascutumn, Dionne attended the Topshopsinger Unique show. Bromfield mingled with One Actress and designer SadieDirecton's Frost Harry Styles comedian James Corden also made an, and appearance at the Julia Carey . and his fiancé Vivienne Westwood Red Label show Alexasummery Chung and Geldof looking in Pixie salmon pink. supported their friendsinger HenryDionne Holland by At Aquascutumn, sitting in on his House of Holland show. Bromfield mingled with One Directon’s So what we will be wearing this Harry Styles , and comedian JamesAutumn and Winter? are just a selection Corden and Here his fiancé Julia Carey . of those names that hit the catwalk! Alexa Chung and Pixie Geldof supported their friend Henry Holland by BURBERRY sitting in on his House of Holland show. Over in London's So 1500 whatguests we willattended be wearing this Hyde Park. Autumn and Winter? Here are show included bellow pocket justOn a selection of those names panelled trench coats, cropped tailored that hit the catwalk! bomber jackets, oversize waxed field jackets, cinched riding jackets, down-filled dress coats, T-shirts, pocket pencil skirts Over slouchy 1500 guests attended in London’s and tiered fringed dresses. Fabrics included Hyde Park. On show included bellow traditional Britishtrench tweedcoats, wool, cropped check silk pocket panelled and angora wool coating, plush velvet and tailored bomber jackets, oversize waxed floral print silk faille. And introducing field jackets, cinched riding jackets, the Burberry Orchard the Burberry down-filled dress Bag coats,and slouchy T-shirts, Field Boot (suede lace-up ankle fringed boots, pocket pencil skirts and tiered brogue boots, moccasin dresses.lace-up Fabricsankle included traditional -inspired ankle boots) tweed peak British tweed wool, check silk andcaps, angora tubular waist belts and cuff length gloves. wool coating, plush velvet and floral print wereintroducing Trench, honey, dark camel, silkColours faille. And the Burberry pebble, white, green, laurel green, Orchard Bag olive and the Burberry Field pewter, granite blue, gingerwood, Boot (suede lace-up ankle boots,black brogue olive, malachite, blackcurrant, chartreuse lace-up ankle boots, moccasin-inspired yellow, and black. ankle boots) tweed peak caps, tubular Burberry created immersive waist belts and cuff an length gloves.physical andColours digital British weather experience were Trench, honey, dark with

Burberry

4LW is scheduled to open late PAUL SMITH Spring 2012. McQ’s website www. is season Paul Smith captures alexandermcqueen.com/mcq will heydaysin ofmid-March highborn elegance bethe launching 2012. and starry glamour. Embracing the tuxedo and smoking suit, the collection offersSmith a sumptuous This season Paul captures of traditional tailoring thefusion heydays of highborn elegance with a rich melange of palettes and starry glamour. Embracing textures. theand tuxedo and smoking suit, the Highlighting the contrasting feel and collection offers a sumptuous fusion of heritage cloths and yarns, barley offinish traditional tailoring with a rich checks of andpalettes luxurious of Wales motifs melange andPrince textures. are layered alongside two-tone flannels, Highlighting the contrasting feel mohair merino wools. and finishand of heritage cloths Silhouettes and yarns, maintain a simple, contemporary barley checks and luxurious Prince ease with oversized outerwear shapes and heavily of Wales motifs are layered alongside pleated trousers Paul two-tone flannels,which mohairenhance and merino Smith’s modern, masculine wools. Silhouettes maintain aaesthetic simple, for women. contemporary ease with oversized Sensual silk dresses, to thepleated floor and outerwear shapes and heavily heavy with crystals, addPaul decadence. trousers which enhance Smith’s Sheer blousesmasculine with contrasting wing are modern, aesthetic for collars women. worn with crushed skinny Sensual silk dresses,velvet to the floor pants and jackets. and heavy with crystals, add Colours and blouses fused by jewel decadence. Sheer tones; blues of every with contrasting wing shade, collars indigo to electric arefrom worndeepest with crushed velvet and petrol, skinny pants lie andalongside jackets. deep Bordeaux, plum andbyburgundy. Colours and fused jewel tones; blues of every shade, HOUSE HOLLAND from deepestOF indigo to electric AUTUMN 2012 and petrol, lie WINTER alongside deep “RIDE IT” Bordeaux, plum and burgundy. e House of Holland girl rides the Tour de France INSPIRATIONS The House of Holland girl 70sthe Sci-Fi rides Tour de France Tour de France Inspirations: 70s Sci-Fi Futuristic Sportswear Tour de France Futuristic Sportswear

BURBERRY PRORSUM

McQ Alexander McQueen

Paul Smith

House Of Holland

HOUSE OF HOLLAND

Aquascutum

gowns. Sharp tailoring. A nipped in waist with a masculine dropped shoulder and an exaggerated hip gives an hourglass silhouette. The collection is about a love story, Traditional English fabrics a love of McQueen and a love of felts, velvets and Black Watch great British style - from military Tartan. Hand knits, shearlings coats to overblown ball gowns. leathers. Appliquéd velvet and Sharp tailoring. A nipped in ﬂowers in black and ivory. waist with a masculine dropped Rainbow colours on tulle. Colour shoulder and an exaggerated hip - Black, green and oxblood. gives an hourglass silhouette. Shoes - Super-elevated classic Traditional English fabrics British styles, DMs and jodhpur felts, velvets and Black Watch boots.Hand knits, shearlings Tartan. McQ was launchedvelvet in 2006. and leathers. Appliquéd e London ﬂagship store on 14 flowers in black and ivory. Rainbow Doveron Street, W1S colours tulle.London Colour - Black, 4LWand is scheduled to open late green oxblood. Shoes Spring 2012. classic British - Super-elevated website styles,McQ’s DMs and jodhpur boots. www.alexandermcqueen.com/ McQ was launched in 2006. The mcq will be launching London flagship store onin14 mid-March 2012. Dover Street, London, W1S

HOUSE OF HOLLAND

an interior and exterior special-effects rainstorm surrounding the entire show camel, pebble, white, olive green, laurel space, as part of the show finale. green, pewter, granite blue, gingerwood, black olive, malachite, blackcurrant, AQUASCUTUM chartreuse yellow, and black. AUTUMN/WINTER 2012 Burberry created an immersive physical e Aquascutum woman is provocative, and digital British weather experience sexy and a touch dangerous. with an interior and exterior specialJoanna Sykes explores iconicthe British effects rainstorm surrounding entire interiors and architectural profiles. Form, show space, as part of the show finale. rich textures, detailed cornicing, chiselled angles and a play on light and shadow drive the Thestory. Aquascutum woman is provocative, oxblood, A and modern British palette of sexy a touch dangerous. Joanna Sykes racing green andBritish winter interiors white is accented explores iconic and with dolphin grey, champagne andtextures, olive. architectural profiles. Form, rich Tonality is key; the silhouette is sleek. ea detailed cornicing, chiselled angles and overall and colourdrive palette play onproposal light and shadow theare story. underpinned crisp geometric shirts in A modernwith British palette of oxblood, black white. racingand green and winter white is accented Luxurious wools, new variations with dolphin bonded grey, champagne and on English tweeds and technical jerseys olive. Tonality is key; the silhouette is sit well alongside contemporary leather sleek. The overall proposal and colour combinations, ironed shearling and fluid palette are underpinned with crisp silks. geometric shirts in black and white. Aquascutum’s Taking inspiration Luxurious bondedfrom wools, new heritage, the traditional epaulette variations on English tweeds andis made modern the silhouette enhanced with technicaland jerseys sit well alongside bold cage-like elements. Sharp cutting contemporary leather combinations, defines new sexyand kickfluid thatsilks. features in ironed ashearling signature and tailored separates. Takingouterwear inspiration from Aquascutum’s For eveningwear the architectural heritage, the traditional epaulette details are softened in pale and silks, flowing is made modern and thedark silhouette vertically enhanceddown with the boldform. cage-like Aquascutum founded in 1851 elements. Sharpwas cutting defines a newby with the high tailor John in Emary sexy quality kick that features signature mission to provide stylish protection from outerwear and tailored separates. the‘For unpredictable British weather. eveningwear the architectural Aquascutum has been London details are softened inpart paleofand dark city life forflowing nearly 160 years. down the form. silks, vertically ‘Aquascutum was founded in 1851 JASPER CONRAN by high quality tailor John Emary AUTUMN/WINTER 2012 with the mission to provide stylish Tailored precision enables a steely British protection from the unpredictable determination. Strict yethas notbeen uptight. weather. Aquascutum part of Curves, andfor gathers the line. A Londonpleats city life nearlysoften 160 years. sinuous flow precision defines the bust, the waist, the ‘Tailored enables a steely hip. e leg smart in understated colour, the determination. Strict yet not uptight. a meaningful point. shoe withpleats Curves, and gathers soften tweed,flow flannel and faille give theCashmere, line. A sinuous defines texture, a softened sheen. the bust, the waist,line theand hip.subtle The leg Tones cocoa, stormy grey smart of in tan, understated colour, theand uncompromising black injected shoe with a meaningful point. with shots of molten metal. Halfflannel belts, tabs, Cashmere, tweed, and bows and buttons settexture, the standard. faille give a softened line in muted pinks and silvered greys andSilks subtle sheen. Tones of tan, cocoa, reveal feathers, fringing and stormya glimpse grey andofuncompromising glittering gems with for cut-to-the-knee black injected shots of moltenfinery. e final glance intabs, mattbows blackand jersey – metal. Half belts, composed to the floor. buttons setand thecut standard. Silks in muted pinks and silvered greys MCQ MCQUEEN reveal ALEXANDER a glimpse of feathers, fringing e about love story, a love of and collection glittering isgems fora cut-to-the-knee McQueen love of in great British finery. Theand finala glance matt blackstyle – from coats and to overblown jerseymilitary - composed cut to theball floor.

march2012

HIGHLIGHTS Highlights: Boucle houndstooth Boucle houndstooth Metallic embroidery embroiderydetailing detailing Metallic Goat hair hair trim trim Goat Luxe optical optical striped stripedwool wooljersey jersey Luxe Colours: Pillar box red; COLOURS Fuschia; Pillar boxNavy; red Sky blue The Collection was inspired by Alistair Fuschia Carr’s return to England after some years Navy spent abroad, and the memories of youth Sky blue it invoked, ‘Behind this collection is a www.houseofholland.co.uk girl I used to know at school, grown out of her teenage angst into a sophisticated PRINCE OF SCOTLAND woman, but with a hintby of Alistair that e Collection wasjust inspired rebellious past sayssome Carr.years The Carr’s return to remaining’ England after result abroad, is a chicand collection in luxurious spent the memories of youth it knits and‘Behind feminine butiswith anI invoked, thiscolours, collection a girl undercurrent in theout detailing. used to know of at defiance school, grown of her www.houseofholland.co.uk teenage angst into a sophisticated woman, but with just a hint of that rebellious past result is a chic remaining’ says Carr. e Drawing inspiration collection in luxuriousfrom knitsbeloved and feminine memories Hong Kong’s HappyofValley colours, butofwith an undercurrent Race Track anddetailing. the patterns and colours defiance in the of Sean Scully’s canvasses, the Autumn/ Winter ROCHA 2012 Collection continues JOHN John Rocha’s exploration surface and Drawing inspiration from of beloved silhouette of through things he loves most. memories Hong the Kong’s Happy Valley John’s palette is grounded in black in of Race Track and the patterns and colours all it’sScully’s depths,canvasses, through silk Sean the georgette, lace and devore, felted wools, cashmere, Autumn/Winter 2012 Collection continues marabou andexploration Mongolianoflambskin. John Rocha’s surface and While a winter landscape of green, silhouette through the things he loves most. loden, gold and navy is worked through John’s palette is grounded in black in all in silk taffetas, satins and velvets. lace and it’s depths, through silk georgette, The silhouette is at once sporty devore, felted wools, cashmere, marabou and and elegant,lambskin. with patchworked seams Mongolian While a winter panelling the form loden, in leangold sweeping landscape of green, and navy is dresses and skirts, structured worked through in and silk taffetas, satins and generous volume wrought in taffeta velvets. ande satin coats and jackets. silhouette is at once sporty and Throughout the collection surfaces seams panelling elegant, with patchworked are form densely worked in tonedresses on tone the in lean sweeping and skirts, crewelwork, patchworks and hand crochet and structured generous volume wrought in and fantastical blooms that lend an taffeta and satin3D coats and jackets.

John Rocha

50 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

roughout the collection elegance an densely edgy couture sensibility. surfaces are worked in tone on tone There is a patchworks natural duality the crochet crewelwork, andin hand collection, as John creates an and fantastical 3D blooms thatatmosphere lend an of rock and roll romanticism, his elegance an edgy couture sensibility. women appearing at once wild and ere is a natural duality in the beautiful, yetatmosphere tender. collection,aaslittle Johnhaughty creates an of and roll romanticism, his women rock appearing at once wild and beautiful, a little Inspiration the autochrome haughty yet was tender. plates of Albert Kahn’s collection of the Balkans. Colours were OSMAN black and white punctuated withplates of Inspiration was the autochrome jewel and collection moss greens. Albertrods Kahn's of the Balkans. Lime and brocades on a Colours werefuchsia black and white punctuated black base.rods Fabrics loomed with jewel andwere mosshand greens. brocades, overfuchsia dyed herringbones, Lime and brocades on a black double bonded techno base. Fabrics were handcottons, loomed luxurious brocades, leathers oversized embroideries over dyedand herringbones, double bonded techno cottons, luxurious leathers and oversized embroideries Red Label creates ideas from history with aVIVIENNE collection that is British, with the world WESTWOOD looked at through their eyes. Tailoring, RED LABEL masculineSavile Row inspired long AUTUMN-WINTER 2012/13 Edwardian jackets,ideas Jermyn stripes, Red Label creates fromStreet history with a feminine - checks + tartans, prints collectiontailoring that is British, with the world +looked jacquards taken from African body at through their eyes. Tailoring, painting, mottled effectinspired prints that masculineSavile Row long remind youjackets, of feathers andStreet fur. Evening Edwardian Jermyn stripes, looks are paper taffeta and duchess feminine tailoring - checks + tartans,inprints checks, stripes andfrom block coloursbody are + jacquards taken African used for wrapped and twisted dresses. painting, mottled effect prints that remind More and looks cocktail you offormal feathers‘portrait’ and fur.suits Evening are dresses alongside traditional ‘smoking’ suits paper taffeta and duchess in checks, stripes in finish wool glitter stretch. and andsatin block colours areand used for wrapped The show supports the Environmental twisted dresses. More formal ‘portrait’ suits Justice Foundation’s (EJF) ‘Notraditional Place Like and cocktail dresses alongside Home’ campaign for climate refugees. ‘smoking’ suits in satin finish wool and The t-shirts designed for the show, raise glitter stretch. awareness of the plightthe of Environmental people forced e show supports from homes and land‘No duePlace to the Justicetheir Foundation’s (EJF) Like intensifying impact climate change.e Home’ campaign forofclimate refugees. This candesigned happen for through violent calamity. the show, raise t-shirts EJF believes thatplight climate is one awareness of the of change people forced

Osman

Red Label

CORRIE NIELSON

AQUASCUTUM

PAUL SMITH

f a sh i o n w e e k

from their homes and land of the profound threats due tomost the intensifying impacttoofpeople’s climate rights tois life, can food, health,through water and change. happen violent shelter, with no legal status calamity. EJFcurrently believes that climate change is or EJF is calling for urgent oneprotection. of the most profound threats to people’s international actionhealth, to provide with rights to life, food, waterthem and shelter, legal protection. with recognition, currently no assistance legal statusand or protection. The t-shirts made usingaction EJF is bespoke calling for urgentare international an exemplary lowwith carbon chain them legalsupply recognition, to provide and manufactured using renewable assistance and protection. green Priced at £20, the using an eenergy. bespoke t-shirts are made exclusive sale from exemplaryt-shirts are low carbononsupply chain and 4th May at Selfridges and online at energy. manufactured using renewable green www.viviennewestwood.co.uk and are on Priced at £20, the exclusive t-shirts www.ejfoundation.org/shop sale from 4th May at Selfridges and online like to thank you at Vivienne would www.viviennewestwood.co.uk and all for your support of Cool Earth. www.ejfoundation.org/shop Since the lastwould Red Label Vivienne like toshow they thank you all for have and need your raised support£1,150,000 of Cool Earth. Since the last your continued to reach Red Label showsupport they have raised our target of £7million. Please keep £1,150,000 and need your continued giving supportnofunbeingextinct.org to reach our target of £7million. Please keep giving nofunbeingextinct.org

Maria Grachvogel

Maria Grachvogel Autumn/Winter 2012 MARIA GRACHVOGEL collection is an evocative2012 celebration AUTUMN/WINTER of colour, print is and The palette of is collection an texture. evocative celebration iscolour, decadent shades garnet, printwith and rich texture. e of palette is peridot and petrel which sit alongside decadent with richblue, shades of garnet, peridot autumnal almond and teak. The and petrelneutrals; blue, which sit alongside shapes thisneutrals; season have an air relaxed, autumnal almond andofteak. e contemporary glamour andairthe of fabrics relaxed, shapes this season have an are rich and varied withand beaten satin inare contemporary glamour the fabrics jewelled touches of distressed gold rich and shades, varied with beaten satin in jewelled lame and combined with gentleman’s shades, touches of distressed gold lame and winter tweed and leopard jacquard. combined with gentleman’s winter tweed The moodjacquard. of the collection is easy and leopard luxe; The look of is the coolcollection and insouciant. e mood is easy luxe; Signature Maria e look is cool andGrachvogel insouciant. magic pants appear in a cropped, cigarette leg Signature Maria Grachvogel magic and masculine in wool tweed.leg and pants appear inslacks a cropped, cigarette The wide leg is carried into wide the masculine slacks in woolthrough tweed. e infamous Maria Grachvogel leg is carried through into thecatsuits. infamous Skirts key for this season withare thekey Maria are Grachvogel catsuits. Skirts introduction threethe new silhouettesof for this seasonofwith introduction

Antonio Berardi

ANTONIO BERARDI

JASPER CONRAN JASPER CONRAN

Arthur Symons, 1896 inspiration from the 18th 2012 century e Autumn/Winter Antonio Rococo movement. Berardiartistic collection takes inspiration from the Embracing the period’s architecture, 18th century Rococo artistic movement. Antonio was influenced by Sicilian Embracing the period’s architecture, sculptor, Serpotta and thesculptor, AntonioGiacomo was influenced by Sicilian more recentSerpotta British and artist, Giacomo theRachel more recent Kneebone. TheRachel florid elegance ofe their British artist, Kneebone. florid work is translated into beautiful shapes elegance of their work is translated into and curvesshapes sculpted the body. beautiful andtocurves sculpted to the Rococo asymmetrical designs body. and Rococo pale, pastel-like colours reign and pale, asymmetrical designs supreme, with last season’s use of with last pastel-like colours reign supreme, metallics replaced with plastic. season’s use of metallics replaced with plastic. MENSWEAR DAY Menswear Day autumn/winter 2012 2012 AUTUMN/WINTER captured theDay essence of the capital’s Menswear autumn/winter 2012 menswear talent including eight captured the essence of thethe capital's designers Newgenthe Men umbrella, menswearunder talentthe including eight the dynamic Newgen Men & Fashion designers under the NEWGEN MEN East installations and the tailoring MEN umbrella, the dynamic NEWGEN of&the SavileEast Rowinstallations presentations. Fashion and the Wednesday February was a tailoring of the22nd Savile Row presentations. highlight of London Wednesday 22nd Fashion FebruaryWeek, was a with 9 on schedule catwalk shows and 3 9 highlight of London Fashion Week, with presentations. The menswear showrooms on schedule catwalk shows and 3 returned for a second season, located presentations. e menswear showrooms on the firstforfloor of Somerset a second season, House. located on the returned Six designersHouse. showcased firstmenswear floor of Somerset Six menswear indesigners this dedicated spaceinincluding showcased this dedicated space Baartmanns & Siegel, Junky Styling, including Baartmanns & Siegel, Junky Mr Start,Mr Omar Kashoura, Palmer Palmer Styling, Start, Omar Kashoura, Harding andand Serdar Uzuntas. // Harding Serdar Uzuntas. Newgen Men began February 2009, NEWGEN MENin began in February building on Topman and Fashion 2009, building on TOPMAN andEast’s Fashion successful ‘Man’ initiative. It has since East’s successful MAN initiative. It has become instrumental in raising the profile since become instrumental in raising the ofprofile emerging British designers using the using of emerging British designers dedicated Menswear DayDay at London the dedicated Menswear at London Fashion FashionWeek Weekas asaashowcasing showcasing platform. ItItisn’t sosodifferent isn't differentfrom fromthe the women's women’s shows there’s the the models, the shows – there's-the clothes, clothes, the–models, celebrities celebrities but it isthe more relaxed. - but it is more relaxed.

Menswear Day

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

Belstaff England

BELSTAFF ENGLAND Heritage and luxury meet2012 in a new AUTUMN/WINTER modern Their Autumn/ HeritageBelstaff. and luxury meet in a new modern Winter Belstaff2012 collection celebrates the brands British Heritage and projects Belstaff ’s Autumn/Winter 2012 acollection re-defined new modernity. Inspired celebrates the brands British by its classic extensive archives,new Heritage andand projects a re-defined the new collection modernity. Inspiredfirmly by its establishes classic and Belstaff a luxurythe lifestyle brand. firmly extensiveasarchives, new collection The ready-to-wear, and establishes Belstaff as outerwear a luxury lifestyle accessories are infused with rich tones brand. of graphite, steel, ochreouterwear and peat, and colours e ready-to-wear, that offer a are modern sensibility today’s accessories infused with richfor tones of luxury consumer. Theand iconic Roadmaster graphite, steel, ochre peat, colours that and outerwearfor pieces have offerTrialmaster a modern sensibility today’s luxury been updated exoticRoadmaster materials such consumer. einiconic and as crocodile and python, as well as been in Trialmaster outerwear pieces have cashmere, andsuch shearlings. as crocodile updated insatin, exoticleathers materials Belstaff ’s newasready-to-wear classics and python, well as in cashmere, satin, like the low trouser, stretched leathers andslung shearlings. Belstaff ’s new napa skinny pant and classic ready-to-wear classics like thesilk lowdress slung reference a storiednapa pastskinny rebornpant for today. trouser, stretched and Men’s totes, such as the classicand silk women’s dress reference a storied past Dorchester, are presented in women's the signature reborn for today. Men’s and totes, house cotton, finest leathers such aswaxed the Dorchester, are napa presented in the and crocodiles, with the Belstaff signature housesome waxed cotton, finest napa tire treadand adorning the exterior andthe the leathers crocodiles, some with famous check lining the interiors. adorning exterior and Belstaffhouse tire tread famous house check lining the interiors. the “As perfume doth remain ANTONIO BERARDI In the folds where it hath lain, AUTUMN/WINTER 2012 So“As theperfume thought doth of you,remain remaining Deeply in my itbrain, In the folded folds where hath lain, Will notthought leave me:ofall things leave me: So the you, remaining You remain.” Arthur Deeply folded in mySymons, brain, 1896 Thenot Autumn/Winter 2012leave me: Will leave me: all things Antonio Berardi collection takes You remain.”

BELSTAFF ENGLAND

MCQ ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

ISSA LONDON three new silhouettes which as a collection which as a collection are designed to suit are designed to suit every body shape. Pencil every shape. Pencil skirts arewith given skirtsbody are given a new season feel drop awaisted new season feelthen withthere dropiswaisted pockets; the bubble pockets; then thereand is the shaped shaped Ellington the bubble Charleston ﬂippy Ellington and the Charleston flippy skirt. skirt.

Fashion Week is oneWeek of the highest profile ashion is one of the fashion events in the profile world and one ofevents the ‘big highest fashion four’ international catwalkand influencers. e‘big in the world one of the eventinternational is organised by the British Fashion The four’ catwalk influencers. of Council (BFC) andbyfunded by a number event is organised the British Fashion sponsors (BFC) (including Europe current of Council andCanon funded by a number headline (including sponsor for seven consecutive sponsors Canon Europe seasons). current London Fashion Week puts London and headline sponsor for seven consecutive British Fashion firmly on theWeek globalputs stage, seasons). London Fashion generating in the region firmly of £100m; the London andorders British Fashion on the event itself £20 million global stage,contributes generating orders in to thetheregion economy in terms direct spend £20 and ofLondon £100m; the event itselfofcontributes attractsto visitors from over 25 countries million the London economy in terms of including US,and France, Italy, Russia,from Middle direct spend attracts visitors over UAE ■US, France, Italy, East, China and 25 countries including Russia, Middle East, China and UAE. march2012

f a sh i o n beauty

Dominic Walmsley Jewellery

one year on

his time last year Dominic Walmsley Jewellery made what some would have considered a risky move by relocating from a central location opposite Sevenoaks station, to the quieter setting of Riverhead. So twelve months on ... are they celebrating? “It was a difficult decision to make” says Dominic, “over the nine years opposite the station we had established a successful business creating bespoke jewellery with a strong and loyal client base.” “However despite a healthy, steady level of bespoke commissions, most new clients were coming via our London studio in Clerkenwell, or through recommendation. Facing facts it became clear that outside of the commuter hours we had a relatively low footfall. We wanted to generate more passing trade to allow a wider range of customers to experience our traditional service and receive the quality of work that we offer.”

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“As a Sevenoaks resident myself, I knew how discerning local people were and was confident that staying within the area was the right choice. To me our new location in Riverhead seemed to tick all the boxes. We now have a great window frontage which allows us to showcase our new designs, the Riverhead parish council has worked wonders making the square look so pretty and most importantly, you can park for free!” “As a result, a number of new high-end boutiques and shops have appeared indicating confidence in the area. And of course we are between two valuable local amenities, the post office and Batchelors the Butchers. So yes, to sum up we are certainly celebrating. With the number of people through

the door up by over 70%, we are thrilled with the move.” With an enviable reputation, Dominic Walmsley Jewellery is becoming increasingly popular. The core of the business lies with bespoke commissions; whether you are after something for an engagement or wedding, to commemorate a special event, or simply a special symbol of affection, Dominic works closely with all his clients to ensure he fully understands their individual style and dreams. A lot of time and thought is taken to personally select stones for each project. It is important to Dominic that the client is constantly involved and enjoys the whole experience. “I have noticed over recent years an increasingly popular

trend for people wanting to remake their existing jewellery. Partly, I suspect as a result of the rise in value of precious metals, and also as people are beginning to discover the possibility of turning inherited or outdated jewellery into something beautiful, wearable and current.” says Dominic. “And after all, why would you leave old jewellery collecting dust in the bottom of your jewellery box when you could have it recreated into something truly beautiful and be able to wear it with pride? I get a great amount of personal satisfaction from watching the pleasure on my client’s face when they receive their final finished sparkling piece.” In addition to his fine diamond work, the Riverhead shop also stocks a wide range of Dominic’s contemporary silver and semi-precious stone jewellery. Dominic Walmsley Jewellery aficionados will confirm that there is something for everyone. The introduction of gift price pieces starting from £36 for friendship bracelets and £30 for men’s trendy leather bracelets means there is something for every pocket too. So if you find yourself in Riverhead and haven’t visited the new shop yet, we would highly recommend a look. Or visit their online shop www. dominicwalmsley.com to see a large selection of pieces. Dominic Walmsley, 3 The Square, Riverhead, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 2AA, Tel: 01732 779 555

Beautiful Bespoke Jewellery Each piece of Dominic Walmsley Jewellery is created to your individual style and crafted using traditional skills with the finest stones.

3 The Square  Riverhead Book an appointment to see sample rings and discuss your requirements at our Riverhead shop or London studio.

01732 779 555

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www.dominicwalmsley.com

f a sh i o n beauty

London strikes

ycra and track shoes may be on the style agenda for this Olympic summer, but the catwalks of London Fashion Week have already fast-forwarded to autumn and winter. In a star-studded, highcalibre display, Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen’s McQ label and Moschino’s Cheap & Chic line all made a big entrance, while British heavyweights Burberry, Temperley and Matthew Williamson continued to dazzle the crowds. American Vogue editor Anna Wintour has even gone on record saying she can’t remember a more “culturally exciting time” in London. The show stoppers

Catwalks aren’t just about the clothes. From runway design through to spectacular stunts and the FROW (fashion speak for front row), there’s a lot going on. Here are my best in show awards: ✩Best for celeb spotting: Stella McCartney Kate Moss ate dessert next to Rihanna, Alexa Chung levitated on swords after being hypnotised by a magician and Yasmin Le Bon joined other supermodels to dance on dinner tables for a flashmob fashion show... Stella McCartney sure knows how to throw a catwalk party in style. Other fashion icon arrivals included Anna Wintour, Mario Testino and Twiggy. But the starry night was just a backdrop for her stellar designs, from voluminous marble print dresses to monochromatic 54 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

catwalk gold Get a sneak peek of the autumn/winter season ahead at London Fashion Week. Lisa Haynes hits the front rows for the catwalk lowdown. panelled gowns. Her red carpet regulars await.

✩Best for causing a storm: Burberry Prorsum No matter that the weather forecast predicted a dry day, Burberry creative director Christopher Bailey orchestrated the elements for a spectacular thunderstorm finale. As models closed the show toting bright umbrellas, the Burberry heavens opened and faux rain beat down onto the glass tent while a glitter shower poured down indoors. But, ironically, it’s time to trade in the traditional Burberry raincoat for countryside-inspired outerwear. The Town and Field collection showcased tweed, herringbone and waxed jackets topped off with grandad-style flat caps. ✩Best for transformation:

Topshop Unique Previously known for its celeb-filled front rows and out-there styling, Topshop Unique impressed with a pared-down U-turn. Under the vision of new creative director Kate Phelan, the collection was more high-fashion than high street - modern, wearable utility pieces that could

outlive any faddy trend. For daytime, shirt dresses, silk shirts and trousers and military-inspired coats featured. And for partying, velvet jumpsuits and sophisticated sequins shone.

✩Best for finale: McQ Alexander McQueen Who knew that woods could be quite so fashionable? Unsuspecting guests thought nothing of it as they crunched on autumnal leaves littering the catwalk for Alexander McQueen’s McQ diffusion label - until the mind-blowing ending. The final model grabbed a rope hiding under the leaves and slowly pulled it down the

catwalk towards a spectacular illuminated forest. Cue flashing lights, pumping dance music and an inquisitive audience. The mysterious finale was befitting for the Gothicinspired sculpted gowns and skirts, which featured embellished petals and intricate embroidery. Heavenly.

✩Best for dramatic venue: Nicole Farhi All of the fashion pack were invited to Farhi’s 30th anniversary show in the Victorian gothic splendour of The Royal Courts of Justice. The dramatic high ceilings, stained glass windows and marble mosaic floors formed the perfect backdrop for her

✩Best for opulence: Temperley London There were no Middletons on the front row this season but there was still an air of regal decadence. Inspired by Renaissance religious art, the collection was adorned with rich golden brocades, ornate decorative patterns and embroidery fit for a queen (or princess). The plush velvets and heavy mixed embellishments fused together for a luxe ‘polished folk’ look - and let’s not forget the statement headwear. Temperley got a-head of the AW12 season’s obsession with hats with fantasy fur cossacks inspired by Doctor Zhivago.

collection, which referenced turn-of-the-century Vienna and the French Art Nouveau as inspirations. There were subtle celebratory sparkles in the form of metallic matte sequin panels set against tailored dresses and skirts in softer contrasting fabrics. The catwalk podium

Which designers hit fashion gold in the race to set the trends for autumn/ winter? My winners are: ✩Best for glamour: Matthew Williamson A little thing like winter dressing isn’t going to get in the way of Williamson’s uber-glam aesthetic. This collection was

there was a subtle streak of rebellion running through Pringle’s collection. The coats that had fashion editors writing next season’s shopping lists in their front row seats all had an undercurrent of defiance. Standout school uniformstyle overcoats featured contrasting collars and sleeves in bubble gum pinks and mints for a sweet twist. With more colour blocking and clever pleat-back detailing to follow, these coats got A+ approval from the front row.

Fabergé egg-inspired: cue bright contrasting colours like turquoise blue and raspberry topped off with lashings of gold brocade. For his red carpet-worthy offering, Williamson’s swishing gowns were gilded with eyecatching, jewel-embellished necklines and baroque prints were clashed with bold zig-zags of bright colour. Guests left the Royal Opera House catwalk venue practically singing with delight.

✩Best for coats: Pringle of Scotland Inspired by a punk girl who design director Alistair Carr used to admire at school,

✩Best for brights: Moschino Cheap & Chic Kooky, cute and oh-so loud, there was no way Moschino’s label was going to go unnoticed as a new recruit to the London schedule. The Make Up Your Life collection was a nudge to “mash up your clothes to find your style”, with a strong injection of fun. Think rainbow furs, neon bright pieces, patchwork contrast lace and cutesy makeup prints jumbled together with a nod to Sixties chic. “Austin Powers fembots” was the result, according to front rower Alexa Chung. ✩Best for prints: Mary Katrantzou Touted as one of fashion’s brightest stars and Topshop’s latest sell-out collaboration designer, the style microscope was on Mary Katrantzou. But the print maestro delivered with a grownup collection so polished it almost had a couture edge. Sculpted gowns were detailed with embroidery and embellishments to emphasise the dramatic silhouettes. Calling on office staples, from typewriter to clock, her mesmerising prints required a closer inspection that left the fashion pack wanting more. march2012

f a sh i o n beauty

Ted Baker And Bluewater Discover Fashions Next

‘PRINT GENIUS’ I

n the hunt for breakthrough design talent, leading fashion, leisure and events destination, Bluewater, and designer brand Ted Baker London, launched ‘Print Genius’ a unique competition to find the next generation of print designers. Searching for raw and innovative designers, the career-building prize, which includes; the winning design being featured throughout Ted Baker’s SS12 collection and a

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nurturing internship within the Ted Baker design department, enticed an impressive amount of entries from top Kent and London design universities. Bluewater Fashion Experts judged the designs; Cosmopolitan Fashion Director, Shelley Vella and style commentator, Tom Stubbs, plus Ted Baker’s design directors. Due to the outstanding quality of entries, the judging panel chose two winners split into

‘menswear’ and ‘womenswear’. Molly Pryke from London College of Fashion was awarded winner of the womenswear prize, for her intricate digital floral design inspired by Kentish country gardens. The menswear award went to Talia James from Ravensbourne College of Art, Design and Communication, who impressed the judges with her graphic Kent wildlife and orchard inspired prints. Molly and Talia, the talented Print Genius protégé’s completed internships within the Ted Baker design department and as well as gaining hands on experience, assisted the design team on the exclusive collection making their Kent inspired prints

come to life. The prints will be featured on a selection of key statement pieces for the Spring/Summer 2012 collection, which will launch exclusively at Bluewater’s Ted Baker store on 13th February, before becoming available to shoppers nationwide. Ray Kelvin, Founder, Ted Baker, said: “I am very impressed with the effort and level of detail that both winners put into their designs. I feel it is important to support up-and-coming design talent and open up opportunities within the industry, to help nurture our future designers. We look forward to seeing the final designs in-store, at Bluewater, in February.” www.bluewater.co.uk

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f a sh i o n beauty

Look out for

next season Be inspired by the model hair and make-up looks at London Fashion Week. Lisa Haynes goes backstage to discover the emerging beauty trends. Fashion Week isn’t just about showcasing new clothing. Techniques for make-up, hair, nails and skin are all weaved seamlessly together to emphasise a designer’s stylish vision. “Every aspect needs to be considered as even the final touches have a big impact,” says fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic. Mix all those final touches together and next season’s trends start to take shape. Yes, there were statement mohawks, blue face paint and cartoon character nail art but amidst the backstage craziness were also some beautiful looks to try at home. Time to get a sneak preview for next season. Backstage beauty

“It’s all about the lip,” said Petros Petrohilos about the Nicole Farhi make-up. But it would be a good summary of the upcoming season. Red lips were seen at Pringle, Jonathan Saunders and House of Holland to name a few. MAC even mixed three of their classics - Russian Red, Ruby Woo and Lady Danger - to create a “true, classic red” for House of Holland’s modern, matte lip. 58 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

On faces, it was about bringing the outdoors indoors to the dressing table. There were ski girl-inspired looks at Margaret Howell, Tour de France cycle chic at House of Holland and Dr Zhivago-style glows at Temperley, achieved with a flush of colour to the cheekbones, where the elements would naturally hit the face. MAC’s Lucia Pica says: “They’re healthy and glowing girls sporty but in a more sophisticated way.” New season tip: Choose rouge for lips or cheeks. Hair flair

The fashion world went slightly askew this season with hair. Youthful yet chic, side partings and ponies were a backstage staple with hair teams. There were deep side partings at Daks, Matthew Williamson, House of Holland and Paul Smith some slick and close to head and other tousled and soft. Even Moschino’s chic Sixties

beehives sported a soft side-swept fringe. “We created a shape that was masculine from the front, yet feminine at the back,” explains Peter Gray, who created a definite side parting for Paul Smith’s show. Moving on from the must-have show pony of spring/summer, ponytails have a new sideways twist. They can be low and elegant, nipped to the nape of the neck, as seen as Margaret Howell, or high and swinging a la Ashish, who wanted an urban, messy ponytail. New season tip: Time for a one-sided view on hair.

Nail art

Forget the pale and interesting look, backstage nail teams were feeling blue. The fashionable hue of choice backstage, one of Kate Middleton’s designer favourites, Erdem, opted for a bright royal blue to coordinate with his modern tweeds and prints, while at Holly Fulton chalky cream teal was the shade of choice. Her ocean-inspired blue was mixed to appear as if models were emerging straight from the sea, with long ‘ovaletto’ shape and a glossy finish to match the models’ dewy skin and wet-look hair. The House of Holland show used the collection’s

houndstooth for print nail art inspiration. Nail artist Sophy Robson created houndstooth transfers which were placed over electric blue using Leighton Denny Expert Nails colours. New season tip: Stand by for a blue talon takeover. Skin chic

The catwalks may have been showcasing autumn/ winter collections but glowing limbs were still a must for the models. At Roksanda Ilincic, sepia-tone skin was the goal. St Tropez’s skin finishing expert, Nichola Joss, took her inspiration from the collection, inspired by the Forties and

sepia photographs, to create a soft focus glow on the skin. “The models skin is pale but with a real warmth to it - just like that of a sepia photograph. I wanted to give it a flushed terracotta tone,” Joss said. At Erdem, the look was focused on matching skin colour to clothing dubbed the ‘Amethyst Tan’. Models limbs were drenched with a combination of St Tropez’s Body Butter and Violet Skin Illuminator to complement the rich palette of navy, red and pink. New season tip: Match your tan to your wardrobe. march2012

f a sh i o n beauty

Fight the Frizz

t seems no matter what type of hair we are born with, so many of us spend seemingly endless amounts of time battling with it to change it! Have you got wavy, curly or generally unmanageable hair? Or long for glossy, poker straight locks? Yes, straightening irons are effective but daily straightening can be time consuming and can cause permanent damage to the hair, leaving the hair dry,

at the Curious Comb damaged and even breakage. It’s no wonder then that so many of us are looking into more permanent solutions! At The Curious Comb, we have a solution for everyone with the promise of smoother tresses! The latest addition to our range is The Nanokeratin Gold Treatment also known as the ‘The Gold Brazilian Blow Dry’. This semi-permanent treatment is specialized for hair that has been excessively coloured, bleached, highlighted, straightened, permed or blowdried. This revolutionary treatment infuses the hair with gold particles, hibiscus esculentus L and cashmere keratin, which is the primary protein of the skin and hair. The Gold Brazilian Blow Dry will repair damage and reduce unwanted frizz leaving your hair feeling exceptionally silky, shiny and easy to manage. Care and styling of your hair will become effortless with minimal amounts of blow drying and styling required for months afterwards. This treatment restores your hairs resiliency and you will no longer have to worry about environmental stresses such as humidity and rain affecting your hair! For a more permanent solution, we have ‘The New York Blow Dry’

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from Redken that either smoothes frizz or gives pin straight results, leaving the hair softer smoother and shinier than ever before! Firstly, the Cool New York Blow Dry is for those who want reduced curl, volume and frizz. It only takes an hour to do and will increase control and manageability of your hair, whilst maintaining some natural curl and bounce, so you still have the option of wearing it curly or straight after the treatment. For pin straight hair, try the Hot New York Blow Dry. This is a permanent straightening system that is guaranteed to improve the condition, add shine and reduce volume and frizz even at high humidity levels, leaving the hair poker straight. This treatment is ideal for people who what straight hair all day, every day! Want to know more? We recommend coming into see one of our knowledgeable Stylists who will spend time giving you a thorough consultation to see which one is most suited to your needs. So say goodbye to your hair straighteners and that daily battle with your unruly locks! Our smoothing and straightening services are a fantastic option that leaves you with incredibly shiny, low maintenance, fabulous hair! In order to prolong and optimise results for all our smoothing and straightening solutions, we always advise to have one of our deep conditioning treatments and also to use the correct aftercare. We are currently offering a package to include the appropriate Redken shampoo, conditioner and treatment at a special price of £25 (rrp £34.45). For bookings or for more information about our services, please contact us at The Curious Comb, 111 Humber Road, Blackheath, SE3 7LW Tel: 020 8853 8282 www.thecuriouscomb.com

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HouSe GarDeN

Live a designer’s dream top desiGners Kelly hoppen, niCKy haslaM and triCia Guild reveal their tips for stylish hoMe looKs. By GaBrielle faGan and daisy wyatt

e can all suffer ‘room envy’ at the sight of those glamorous settings in magazines or on television, but emulating their style in our homes seems ever more impossible in these cash-strapped times. “We’ve all become so much more style aware these days. There’s just so much inspiration all around us, from gorgeous film and TV locations through to those boutique hotels,” says Isobel McKenziePrice, editorial director of Ideal Home magazine. “But just because money’s a little tighter than before, it doesn’t mean we’re prepared to compromise when it comes to decorating our own homes.” McKenzie-Price has interpreted the signature styles of interior designers 62 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

Kelly Hoppen, Tricia Guild and Nicky Haslam in February’s issue using affordable high-street homeware and furnishings. “The good news is that it doesn’t take a millionaire bank balance to achieve great style,” she says encouragingly. “All you need to do is take inspiration from successful designers who use clever tricks that work just as well with high-street buys as they do with really high-end schemes.” Together with some canny budget buys, she shows it’s not difficult to create a room that won’t just attract compliments but will also leave you feeling smug you haven’t bust the budget. So take lessons from the designers and transform your home.

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HouSe GarDeN

For HoppEN’s CHiC look...

Kelly Hoppen’s style is a fusion of east and west, combining simplicity with sumptuous textures and luxe finishes, and a colour palette of taupes, beiges and creams with black as a grounding, defining colour. Creating symmetry is key to her streamlined, structured style and it helps create a calm, ordered interior for a living space. She advises positioning furniture to line up neatly around an existing feature, such as a fireplace or window. “Sofas should face one another and armchairs should be at a 45-degree angle to sofas,” she says. When adding shelves, pictures and smaller pieces of furniture, position them in exact symmetry with the larger pieces of furniture, Hoppen adds. Designer tips: use the same paint colour on walls, woodwork and ceiling to 64 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

create a seamless backdrop. Mix textures by teaming hard surfaces with soft fabrics, such as a lacquered table next to an upholstered sofa. Accessorise boldly with oversized vases, big prints, huge arrangements of artificial flowers, and sculptural lighting. For HAslAm’s opulENt GlAmour...

Nicky Haslam’s trademark style is all about charm and wit, combining classic elements with no-holdsbarred modern glamour. “Think theatre,” says Haslam. “Go for allout opulence, glitz and glamour. Ornate fireplaces and delicate panelling will add to the whimsical feel.

This style should really get people talking.” For a dining room, use a classic combination of crisp white cotton for a tablecloth and linen upholstery, and then an injection of shimmer using silver-effect candelabra, crystal glassware and decanters. Add sensual luxury with soft silks for curtains and cushions, and the finishing touch - an over-the-top floral centrepiece. Designer tips: Over-scale or under-scale elements in a room make them a focal point. For example a large chandelier and a ceiling-high mirror will contrast with neat wall lights and tiny tea light holders. Limit the number of accessories to avoid a cluttered effect, but choose items that are luxurious-looking such as etched glassware and silver napkin rings. For Guild’s viBrANt Colour...

Tricia Guild, founder of Designers Guild, is known for her skilful colour

combinations and innovative interpretations of style. “No colour is too bold or too zingy,” she says. “Rev it up by choosing the brightest shades and then balance them with a high percentage of black and white.” Don’t be afraid to mix modern and antique furniture, as well as vintage and new accessories, and create maximum impact by combining patterns of varying sizes rather than playing it safe with co-ordinates. Designer tips: Customise inexpensive high-street buys to give them designer style, for instance try gluing bobble trim to the bottom edges of lampshades, trimming bed linen with lengths of satin ribbon or sewing a covered button on to the centre of a plain cushion. Be creative in accessorising and go for statement lighting, colourful frames, unusual artwork and displays of garden flowers arranged in quirky containers.

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aNTiQueS

ne redeeming feature of the antiques trade is that every so often something turns up that at first glance, which is usually enough for a hardened old pro, appears to be one thing but on closer inspection has so many different features that it is difficult to evaluate precisely. One such piece is the small upright chest of drawers decorated with Wedgwood ceramic plaques, illustrated here. It has a distinctly French feel to it and it is indeed an English version of the French original, which would have seven drawers rather than six. It came into being during the mid-18th century, a luxury item for a luxurious age. Essentially an item for the boudoir its seven drawers held clean lingerie for each day of the week. That begs the question why the English version only had six drawers; did we all go grubby for a day? The form was quickly adopted in late Regency and Victorian England on a commercial scale after The Duke of Wellington is reputed to have favoured it as being most compact and convenient while on campaign. From then on and still today the English model is known as a Wellington chest and usually made of good old mahogany. Sometimes the drawers are flanked by two columns, one of which is hinged and lockable when closed thus serving to secure all the drawers. But the one illustrated is very different. My first thoughts were that it might be to a design by Henry Holland, 1745 – 1806 the architect and iconic designer to the Prince of Wales. Irrespective of our being at war we maintained a strong artistic link with France and one of Holland’s favourite themes was the

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John Bly its sEvEN drAWErs HEld ClEAN liNGEriE For EACH dAy oF tHE WEEk. classic French style of which this could be a fine example. However, on closer inspection it crosses the boundaries of several collecting fields and manufacturing details. The silver beaded mounts were a novelty that became a most fashionable motif during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The inlay of once bright coloured leaves on thin threads hang from faux bamboo style tubes inlaid onto harewood – sycamore dyed with oxide of iron - are reversed on the lower section. The use of ivory for the John Linnell (cabinet maker 1729 – 96) shape feet was ahead of its time and all the timbers, the marquetry and the form of extended front columns are all elements attributable to Henry Holland. But now it starts to get complicated. The backboard is secured with traditional hand cut screws, while the back edge of each drawer bottom is secured with machine cut screws. Now the immediate reaction to that is that it must be 19th century, because it is generally accepted that machine made screws were not introduced until the 1830’s. However we now know that the first truly modern screw-cutting lathe was likely constructed by J. Ramsden in 1775. Twenty

years later in France, M. Senot created a screw-cutting lathe capable of industrial-level production, and in 1800 Henry Maudslay created a screwcutting lathe that became the international standard machine. These late-18thcentury screw-cutting lathes represented the breakthrough development of the technology but cabinetmakers used them with caution to begin with, combining the use of hand made where they might be seen and the new machine made where not. Another guide to 18th or 19th century is the thickness of the veneers. Prior to the early 1800s all veneers were cut by hand and were rarely less than 1/16th of an inch thick. The development of machinery capable of cutting veneer to a paper thickness by the 1830’s revolutionised the furniture industry and gives us strong evidence for dating. The veneers on this chest are both thick and thin. Thus far we are in mind to say a date for this circa 1830, but a pair of almost identical form and decoration with seven drawers and unquestionably French are housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum and are dated at circa1870. We shall now begin to examine the silver mounts and the Wedgwood

plaques. I will let you know. Another nice surprise recently was the discovery of two miniature portraits, or rather the discovery that one of them was of General Robert Monckton (1726 – 82). We don’t know who the other one is…yet. They are monochrome in a medium known as plumbago. This describes a particular method of drawing with finely pointed pieces of graphite onto vellum, and although it was first developed in the 17th century examples from this period are rare, and it is from the 18th century that most are found today. The fact that there is a name of a famous person on the back of a picture can mean nothing at all, but in this case there are sufficient portraits of General Monckton to be able to identify him as the subject of this miniature. He was an officer of considerable note in the British Army and a colonial administrator in British North America. He established a most distinguished military and political career and was responsible for organising the deportation of the Arcadians from the then British controlled Nova Scotia in the early part of the Seven Years War. In 1759 General James Wolfe chose Monckton to be his 2nd I.C. for the assault on Quebec and so significant was his military role during this part of his life that the city of Moncton, New Jersey is so named in his honour. So what at first glance looked like just another 18th century miniature portrait of an officer turned out to be a history lesson, for me anyway. Always good. John Bly Est Antiques 1891. Tel: 01442 823030 Mobile: 07831 888826. Website: www.johnbly.com

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an openinG weeKend of Beautiful landsCapes froM

CAt ANd mousE

at & Mouse Landscapes has been designing and building gardens both large and small throughout the South East since 1997, incorporating various types of exclusive summerhouses, gazebos and log cabins into many of their assignments. In recent years Cat & Mouse has teamed up with Chilstone of Tunbridge Wells, producers of hand made garden ornaments and architectural stoneware since 1953. Sprinkled through Chilstone’s beautiful gardens and woodland, which boast an enchanting lake, Bluebell walk and in total 35 acres set in the heart of stunning Kent countryside just outside Tunbridge Wells, Cat & Mouse exhibits a selection of their own products for visitors to view and enjoy. The open weekend 31st March is designed as an informal questions and answers event and to highlight to so many people who have not had the pleasure of visiting before, what is at this amazing venue. So as well as the new and inquisitive, we warmly welcome everyone including all our previous visitors.

On the open weekend there will be workshop demonstrations of the stoneware making process and the Chilstone staff will be on hand to show you through the vast array of their own products made to order, as well as examples of bespoke projects. As well as Cat & Mouse, Jacksons Fencing exhibit a selection of their timber products around the grounds, also contemporary and traditional sculpture grace the lawns and dot the woodland walks. There is so much for everyone to see and enjoy and you will discover something new, fascinating and maybe desirable. Light refreshments will be available all day from 10am and don’t forget we are now open 7 days a week, so do come along before the event if you can. Cat and Mouse Landscapes Tel: 01323 843488 www.catandmouselandscapes.com Chilstone, Victoria Park, oﬀ the B2188 Fordcombe Road, Langton Green, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN3 0RD Tel 01892 740866. Website www.chilstone.com Event open all weekend Saturday 31st March & Sunday 1st April 10-5.

garden open weekend 31st March ‘Established 15 years’ The only place to view all FIVE beautiful Scotts summerhouses outside of Thrapston and much more to boot is at our exquisite show gardens at Chilstone near Tunbridge Wells now open 7 days a week For opening times and directions and more news about our open day call 01892 740866 or visit www.chilstone.com For your free summerhouse brochure and details on all our garden design and landscaping services simply call or click anytime

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The Great British Challenge Words by Food Editor, Regan Maloney.

id you know that March celebrates British Pie Week? That it was National Carrot Day on the 3rd February, or that 2,000 year old oyster shells found in Italy originated from Whitstable? …neither did I! and so being a passionate supporter of homemade, homegrown and seasonal produce, with a yearning to know more about the history of British food and where it’s from, I set myself the ultimate British challenge. I am making it my mission to Find, Eat or Make something British every day throughout 2012. So far, I’ve made some amazing discoveries, a lot of which have been right on our Kent doorstep, and some that are worth a journey, and so I thought that as we hit Spring, I’d share the best of the year so far with you.

EAT

The Pig, is a hidden gem in the New Forest. Describing itself as a ‘restaurant with rooms’, it rears, grows and sources all of its food within a 25-mile 68 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

radius of Brockenhurst. Being only an hour and a half drive from where I live in Kent, it seemed the ideal destination to help inspire and feed the Challenge. From the moment we arrived, I had access to handmade local chocolates, Kent Oyster and Vinegar crisps, and Dorset tea in the minibar. For dinner, we were presented with a selection of amazing ‘piggy’ treats from ham hock scotch eggs, crunchy pork scratchings and sticky baby ribs – I even had a gin & tonic jelly with popping candy for dessert! The breakfast was simply unbelievable – fresh milk served in cute little bottles,

eggs from their own chickens, a fully cooked breakfast comprising homemade black and white pudding, home grown mushrooms and tomatoes, and a selection of other meats all reared and cured locally. The self service table was full of simple, home grown fruits and oats, soaked and infused by the chefs very own hands, home baked breads with homemade preserves... the list just goes on. This really has, so far been the highlight of the ‘Eat’ part of my year, and I’d recommend that anyone who’s looking for a foodie weekend, and a little R&R in the country consider going. www.thepighotel.co.uk

FIND

I’ve uncovered so many interesting facts about British cuisine, the most surprising of which was that we have over 700 different types of cheeses in the British Isles at the moment – giving the French a real run for their money. Kent is producing some great

fooD DriNK

mAkE

The ‘Make’ side of the Challenge has been great fun – I hosted a ‘Great British Supper Club’ with fellow foodie Jane Kerr in a secret location in Bromley, with each course representing England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales and I’ve been recreating British treasures at home such as Jamie Dodgers. But the most popular recipe so far has to be my Lamb Wellingtons. The traditional version is of course ‘Beef Wellington’, but I thought I’d put a modern day spin on it. lAmB WElliNGtoN

Images: www.shutterstock.com

The history of Beef Wellington

ones, with ‘Winterdale Shaw Cheddar’, matured in chalk caves under the barn of where it’s made in the North Downs of Kent, and ‘The Cheesemakers of Canterbury’, who are producing some delicious smoked, blue and goats cheeses. Another great ‘Find’ has been The Farm Shop – a quirky establishment located on Westerham Road. It’s like a teeny tiny slice of British heaven at the end of a row of cottages, and it’s run and owned by a lovely lady who bakes all of her own cakes, and sources every item from local farmers and producers. It has everything from preserves and local meats, to homemade gifts and crafts. There are loads more great ‘finds’ all plotted on a handy map on my Great British Challenge website www.thegreatbritishchallenge.com

i came across three different reasons as to where this dish originates from, and why it was named ‘Wellington’. i think my favourite is that it was supposedly named after a particularly shiny pair of wellington boots, which were shaped like the the beef when it was first cooked. others suggest that it was named after the winner of the Waterloo battle in 1815, (Arthur Wellesley, the duke of Wellington). one of his cooks, wanting to honor the duke, is said to have created this dish to serve him one night at dinner. the final theory is that it is in fact of irish origin, and should be called ‘steig Wellington’. Whichever the correct story, i’m just pleased that the British have embraced it.

Ingredients: 1 x large, meaty lamb neck 10 x large sized white button mushrooms 1 tin of anchovies 1 sprig of rosemary 1 pack of ready rolled puﬀ pastry Salt & freshly ground black pepper 1 egg yolk - makes one large wellington to serve 2 people Instructions: 1. Roughly chop the mushrooms, rosemary and anchovies, and place in a food blender with salt and pepper. Blitz until it’s turned to a thick pulp. 2. Roll out the pasty and smear the mixture, around half a centimetre thick in to the middle. 3. Place the lambs neck in the middle of the mixture and then roll the pasty over so that the lamb has an even coating of the mixture, and the whole lot is completely covered with pastry. 4. Brush the top of the pasty with egg white, and then place on a baking tray, in the middle of a pre-heated oven for 20 minutes on Gasmark 6, or until the lamb has cooked through (as this is lamb neck, the meat should not be pink as the fat needs time to soften). if you’d like to get involved, or find out more about regan’s Great British Challenge, visit www.thegreatbritishchallenge.com

march2012

the riVer roAD is our GerMAn shepherD while CruisinG down the piCturesQue rivers of GerMany, GrahaM BriGht enJoys spyinG vineyards, Castles and historiC towns froM the CoMfort of his floatinG hotel.

he old railway bridge loomed ever closer as the ship’s captain advised me: “Please mind your head sir.” I sensed it was only a precaution, but the underside of the bridge was a mere six inches above the top of my head as I stood on the top deck while we passed underneath, so he was probably right to issue the warning. It was another lesson in how river cruising differs markedly from the maritime variety. Forget those long days at sea with nothing on the horizon - on the river you are assailed by new sights at every turn. These include bridges of every design and age - we must have passed beneath a couple of hundred on our journey from Luxembourg through Germany to Nuremberg on the rivers Moselle, Rhine and Main. And then there are the locks - a total of 53 to be negotiated at regular intervals, each posing a test for our Hungarian skipper as he nursed the 360ft long Amalegro into and out of the chambers with just a few inches to spare on each side, watched every time by fascinated passengers. But the most stunning views were of the steep-sided river banks of the Moselle and Rhine where countless vineyards snake upwards at seemingly impossible angles, and Gothic castles peer

70 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

down from their defensive positions at the top of the valleys. This was the essence of our voyage, and it is easy to understand why European river cruising is such a fastgrowing sector of the holiday market, attracting passengers from all over the globe to the wide open river road that stretches all the way from Amsterdam to the Black Sea, connecting 15 countries over its distance of 2,220 miles. Add in the numerous stops at historic villages, towns and cities along the way and you have an experience that will increasingly give sea cruising a run for its money. But if you seek a vessel packed with facilities and amusements, then perhaps it’s not for you. The four-year-old Amalegro, one of 11 ships operated by AMA Waterways, carries just 150 passengers and the emphasis is very much on eating, sleeping, relaxing and frequent disembarkations. A real sense of camaraderie builds up as guests meet at regular intervals in the main lounge and bar, or in the very comfortable restaurant where you can select your own table with as many or as few fellow diners as you please, and enjoy complimentary (and excellent) local wines. At the end of the eight-day cruise we were on first-name terms with at least 30 fellow passengers

T RA V EL

and on nodding acquaintance with perhaps 50 more. There’s no need for climbing walls and the like when there’s good conversation to be had. And there’s no possibility of even attempting a climbing wall after you’ve enjoyed the generous amounts of very good food on offer, with the three main meals supplemented by midmorning snacks, afternoon tea and late-night titbits. Joining the Amalegro in the small Luxembourg town of Remich on the Moselle, we were immediately made welcome by our Bulgarian cabin stewardess Teddy (short for Teodora), a hugely likeable mother hen who installed us in our ample “stateroom” and even arranged for my jackets, creased from the suitcase, to be pressed free of charge. She’s married to Arthur, the charming hotel manager with a permanent grin and that knack of making everyone feel special. That night we were invited to dine on the captain’s table - I’m not sure why but I’m glad we were because it was the start of several good friendships. Our first port of call the following day was Trier, the oldest city in Germany with an impressive array of Roman remains including an amphitheatre, baths and the famous Porta Nigra, the best preserved Roman city gate in the world. It was the first outing for what the cruise staff called our “devices” - mobile phone-sized units with headphones which pick up the tour guide’s words of wisdom within a range of about 30 metres - so

you don’t need to stay close by her side. Back on board we positioned ourselves in comfy chairs on the top deck for an afternoon cruise along the idyllic Moselle valley, its lush vine-clad slopes ascending from the meandering waterway. The Romans first planted vines in the fourth century, and these days some top-quality Rieslings originate here. By teatime we had tied up at Bernkastel, surely the most picture postcard village in the whole of Germany with an abundance of 16th century half-timbered houses clustered higgledy-piggledy on narrow streets. Wine shops abound here, many selling the famous Bernkastel Doktor, which an ancient archbishop believed could cure all ills. Next day we completed the Moselle leg of our cruise in Koblenz, where the river flows into the mighty Rhine. After a visit to the annual flower show next to a fortress situated on a bluff high above the city, we took a cable car across the Rhine to explore the beautiful old town before rejoining the Amalegro for one of the highlights of the week - a cruise through the Rhine Gorge past more than 30 castles and the famed Lorelei rock which soars 120 metres above the waterline. The most unexpected sight was the large number of commercial barges plying their trade along this wide waterway, some almost 100 metres long and skippered from wheelhouses at the very stern. Not for the faint-hearted! After dinner that night we left the ship in Rudesheim and piled into a mini-train for a visit to Siegfried’s Kabinett Museum, which houses a truly amazing collection of mechanical musical instruments, many dating back to the 19th century and all in working order. The sound from the orchestrions, huge structures as large as minibuses which play all the instruments of an orchestra, was deafening. The following day we joined the Main river, which has undergone extensive canalisation work to make it navigable for shipping all the way from the Rhine in the west to the Danube in the east. It’s narrower than the Moselle and the Rhine, and its low bridges forced the closure of the Amalegro’s top deck from time to time. Armed with our “devices”, we toured the city of Mainz and marvelled at its Romanesque cathedral before, a short hop later, we moored slap bang in the middle of Frankfurt - known as “Mainhattan” because of its towering modern buildings. It felt strange to be in such an urban environment but after a quick walkabout our floating hotel was off again. More traditional riverside treats lay in store the following day when we visited charming Miltenberg and Wertheim. In the more industrialised city of Wurzburg we signed up to a cycling tour, using the Amalegro’s guest bikes, and followed the riverbank trail for a few miles as we burned off a few of those excess calories. Our last full day included a tour of historic Bamberg, designated a Unesco world heritage site, which is home to nine old-fashioned breweries. Their most famous product is “rauchbier”, a strong dark ale with a smoky flavour and an aftertaste of bacon. I downed a half-litre without much trouble but others in our party (Australians included) were struggling to appreciate its charm. After a farewell dinner and some furious packing of suitcases, it was time to enjoy a few nightcaps in the bar with newfound friends from English-speaking nations around the globe. At the crack of dawn the ship berthed just outside Nuremberg and the adventure was over. march2012

BooK reVieWS

The Bookshelf

Stories that pull on the emotions aren’t always the easiest to choose, but often the most difficult to put down.Try any of these three . . . words By BruCe edwards

Arl

tHE WHitE pE

sHEltEr

rEsCuE

ThE WhITE PEarL KATE FURNIVAL ✱ PUBLISHED BY SPHERE ✱ £6.99 PAPERBACK

ShELTEr FRANCES GREENSLADE ✱ PUBLISHED BY VIRAGO ✱ £12.99 PAPERBACK

rEScUE ANITA SHREVE ✱ PUBLISHED BY ABACUS ✱ £7.99 PAPERBACK

Two points, one - the cover. In today’s market place, the three dimensional one of a decent book shop (long may they last), it’s a truism that a cover ‘chooses the book’. This one shows, succinctly, both setting and mood, so well done. The second? under priced: a book as an object rather than the story, can - and should - be a valued not a cheapened item (equates to a bottle of decent wine), especially, as in this case, it is of a tale worth the telling. Kate Furnival did a splendid job with ‘The Russian Concubine’ and this is no less an effective, well crafted and evocative tale of several battles, both the hard reality of the Japanese occupation of Singapore and the emotional ones Connie encounters in her quest for freedom and the salving of a conscience. How she achieves salvation and a solution makes for a ‘gripping tale’ worth far more than a mere £6.99...

Costing six pounds more yet smaller in size and pagination than ‘White Pearl’, it’s a puzzle how publishers select price points. Yet, happily, as I have proved to myself, higher cover prices don’t necessarily deter readers buying if it’s ‘their thing’, though covers - a constant enigma - can add or detract and this one’s a problem. However, continuing the month’s theme of discovering literary solutions for emotional situations, sitting under a tree may be a comforting concept. Written as through the eyes of a child and set in the backwoods of Canada (the author comes from Ontario) it’s a tragic tale of learning about the essential quality of family ties, and how home can conquer life’s misfortunes. Overcome the transatlantic flavour and the naïve yet very appropriate descriptions from a debut novelist, and it’ll grip you, even at £12.99...

An author with as many stories to her name as Shreve may be entitled to pile on the pressure. Some of her early novels, from memory, came measured and thoughtful, like rollers pouring onto a massive beach, to break with a dullened roar and a sobbing undertow. So with a penchant for the grittier side of her scene setting, it’s perhaps apt that this, in paperback after a 2010 launch in hardback, now takes to the road alongside a paramedic, thems that sorts out the accident trauma after road-users hadn’t cared about whether they were drunk, drugged, or plain daft. Webster cares, cares for Sheila, his alcoholic ladylove, cares deeply for Rowan, a product of a liaison who steals his heart, and has to extract each of them in turn from just such a situation. How the agony of the years becomes resolved is a masterpiece of emotional rescue. And with only a £7.99 cover price.

Your comments on any reviewed title are always welcome: writerselect@gmail.com 74 m a r c h 2 0 1 2

It looks even better with the price on.

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